LSSL 5360 Module 1 Review: Uptown

Uptown

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Collier, Bryan. 2000. Uptown. New York, NY: Henry Holt & Company, LLC. ISBN 9780805057218

     PLOT SUMMARY

Uptown is a boy’s journey through his home in Harlem.  The author uses metaphors and vivid language to take the reader through the city and give a feel for its’ culture.  From the time he wakes up until the sun sets, the boy guides his audience on a tour through the famous sights of Harlem.  The brightly colored illustrations show the Metro, the famous brownstones, shopping on 125th street, the Apollo Theatre, a barber shop, the Harlem Boys choir, and sunset over the Hudson River.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Mixed media type illustrations coupled with vivid language create a beautifully flowing description of Harlem in Uptown.  The sights, sounds, and flavors of this energetic community can be experienced through the vibrant colors and poetic feel of the book.  Uptown would be a great choice for teaching and explaining metaphors.  

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Ezra Jack Keats Book Award Winner

CONNECTIONS

This would be a great text to use to get kids writing.  Give them a topic to write their own metaphoric descriptions such as, “Happiness is…” Use their writing to create a class book.