bn.com
The Barnes & Noble Review
Culture, community, and elegant brownstones are just a few of the things featured in Bryan Collier's Uptown. This imaginative book gives readers a very personal tour of Harlem through the eyes of a young boy who lives in the diverse neighborhood.
Travel uptown on the Metro-North train and have a bite to eat -- how about chicken and waffles? The young narrator admits that "it seems like a weird combination, but it works." Strolling on 125th Street results in a cornucopia of shoppers with a vibrant blend of personalities. History also plays a strong part in the fabric of Harlem -- from the roots of jazz to gossip at the barbershop.
The collage illustrations featured in the book are a perfect match for the spare text. Bold colors and watercolor pictures wonderfully illustrate the diverse and wondrous culture in this amazing community. Kids who have heard of Harlem but aren't able to make the visit will find this book particularly enlightening as an ideal introduction and a wonderful journey. Those of us who know of Harlem's wonder will smile contently at Uptown's spectacular vision and praise the heartfelt work of Collier.
--Amy Barkat
Publishers Weekly
"Collier's watercolor and collage artwork effectively blends a boy's idealism with the telling details of the city streets in this picture-book tour of Harlem," said PW. Ages 4-8. (Jan.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
K-Gr 3 -A young boy takes youngsters on a tour of his beloved uptown neighborhood in New York Citya€™s Harlem in this visual and aural treat (Holt, 2000) written and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Bold watercolor and collage artwork beautifully captures the tempo and atmosphere of this childa€™s world. From the brownstones that look like chocolate to the Harlem Boya€™s Choir to basketball games to shopping on 125th Street, it is obvious that this boy has a strong sense of place and community and a love of home. The brief text is just right for young readers and listeners. Narrator Ricky Smith does a commendable job of capturing the tone of the book. Subtle sound effects such as an occasional car honking and the Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem singing enhance the telling. A stunning and affectionate celebration of Harlem.-Deanna Romriell, Salt Lake City Public Library, UT
Esmé Raji Codell
…the author leads the reader on a collage and cut-paper tour that captures and celebrates the rhythm of the city.
—Bookbag Magazine
Kirkus Reviews
Collier debuts with a set of dazzling paint-and-photo collages paired to a child's tribute to his Harlem neighborhood. From his window the young narrator sees "Uptown" in the Metro North commuter train crawling caterpillar-like over the river; sisters in matching dresses parading to church; weekend shoppers on 125th Street; jazz; Van Der Zee photographs; playground basketball; chicken and waffles served any time of day. ("At first it seems like a weird combination, but it works.") This complex, many-layered vibe is made almost tangible by the kaleidoscopic illustrations. For instance, the row of brownstones "…when you look at them down the block. They look like they're made of chocolate." Indeed, their bricks are photos of chocolate bars. Walter Dean Myers's poem Harlem (1997), illustrated in similar style by Christopher Myers, conveys a deeper sense of the African American community's history, but this makes an engagingly energetic once-over. (Picture book. 7-9)
From the Publisher
Collier's evocative watercolor-and-collage illustrations create a unique sense of mood and place. Bold color choices for text as well as background pages complement engagingly detailed pictures of city life.” —School Library Journal
“...both text and art capture a child's sense of perspective and imagination.” —Publishers Weekly
JUN/JUL 08 - AudioFile
In this picture-book-and-CD program, Collier offers a simple celebration of Harlem. “Uptown is a row of brownstones . . . weekend shopping on 125th Street . . . the orange sunset over the Hudson River . . . uptown is jazz.” This collection of impressions is matched by Collier’s vibrant collages. The young narrator, Ricky Smith, acts as a kind of tour guide, proudly introducing us to his uptown home. Smith does a remarkably good job with phrasing, pacing, and emphasis. He also offers sweetness and enthusiasm to this production. Listeners will feel UPTOWN unfold as they hear trains go by, jazz riffs, voices from the Boy’s Choir of Harlem, and quiet, dreamy piano music accompanying Collier’s description of a Harlem sunset. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine
