Uptown

by Bryan Collier

Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Bryan Collier discovers the vibrant world of Harlem, New York, as seen through the eyes of a little boy

" Uptown . . .
Harlem, New York.
Chicken and waffles.
Jazz.
Home."

Uptown is a rich mix of flavors, colors, sounds, and cultures that come together to create a vibrant community like no other in the world. Seen through the eyes of one little boy who lives there, the details of life in Harlem are as joyous as a game of basketball on a summer's afternoon and as personal as a trip to the barbershop where old-timers reminisce.

Bryan Collier's spare, poetic text and beautiful, intricate illustrations evoke every aspect of Harlem, from the legendary Apollo Theater to chocolate-colored brownstones, weekend shopping on 125th Street, and the music of Duke Ellington.

Uptown is the winner of the 2001 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cultural, Fiction, New York, Poetry, African American

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Bryan Collier grew up in Pocomoke City, Maryland where he began painting at the age of 15. He has won numerous awards including the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and the Caldecott Honor. He lives in Harlem, New York.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this 2001 Coretta Scott King winner. This is a story told by a young boy from Harlem who describes various aspects of the city that make Harlem his home. He points out landmarks, activities, and makes other observations that he loves about his community. The author uses minimal, but beautiful figurative language to enable the reader to feel what it's like to be in Harlem. The pictures are bold and colorful done in a collage style.

This is an excellent book to read with elementary students. It could be part of a unit to celebrate African-American history, or as a trade book to integrate into a social studies unit about communities. Students can relate to the connections the boy has with his community. You could create their own book that describes what they love about their town. With older students, it is an excellent model text to use when teaching the use of figurative language in writing. It is a good example to show students how powerful an author's words can be when one uses effective word choice.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations were very well done. The illustrator used very colorful collages that easily caught the eye. The author also did a good job portraying the true essence of Harlem. Through all of his descriptions, the reader really could feel what it was like to grow up in Harlem when the narrator did.

As a teacher, I would definitely use this book in my classroom if I taught younger grades. The language is very simple and easy to understand. The illustrations would definitely interest lots of young children. But most importantly, it describes a culture that could potentially be unfamiliar to a lot of students. Not only would this book educate them on specifically Harlem culture, it could also show the students that there are people who live differently from the way they live. While this is a concept many people take for granted, for many young children, they have to be shown that not everyone lives the way they do.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Ages: 5 - 9

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[Michelle Matash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is about a boy who compares his town to everything around him. Every sentence used in the book is a metaphor. It does a lot of comparing and uses his imagination to describe things. He descibes the brownstone building as "they look like they are made of chocolate". I think through this the reader is able to see how he interprets his town and what his town means to him.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harlem is home. The young boy takes the reader on a tour.
Illustrations are brilliant.

[Nashwa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uptown is the first of Bryan Collier’s vibrant books to receive the 2001 Coretta Scott King Award. I found this book displayed at my local library and grabbed it along with a few others. The book immediately attracted me because of its urban city feel and setting. It is set in Uptown New York City, Harlem, and it is narrated by a young boy about the age of 12. His name is never mentioned in this book.

I really enjoyed reading and viewing the collage-style illustrations in Uptown because the main, and only character, in this story exudes such pride in his hometown and African American Heritage. He doesn’t come out and directly state this, but the illustrations are rich in every day community happenings. He proudly displays in his words how he is personally connected to the unique features of his community. The illustrations compliment his words with and abundance of African-style art and colorful designs weaved within this urban American city. He sees all the riches it has to offer and has great appreciation for it. He goes on to feature in detail what he loves about his hometown; the caterpillar style train line, eating chicken & waffles, the brownstone homes, the Apollo Theater, the Boys Choir of Harlem and more.

This is a wonderful book to share with students ages k-6th grade, especially during African American month. Teaching in the city, there are many connections my students can make to their own distinctive ethnic neighborhoods. A great character education lesson that compliments Uptown would include students collectively creating a Bryan Collier style book, with each student submitting one page highlighting and illustrating one unique and desirable feature that their neighborhood has to offer. Other curriculum connections would include a social studies unit on communities. To compare and contract Urban setting (portrayed in a positive light, such at Uptown) with other rural setting. Students would be able to identify many similarities and differences these two different settings have to offer.

[Michelle Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryan Collier's "Uptown" is a story of a boy describing his home in vibrant and loving terms. In addition to the expressive illustrations, the colors and positioning of the text further contributes to the story's purpose. With every turn of the page, there is a new reason why "Uptown" is home to a young boy growing up in Harlem. From the food, specifically chicken and waffles, to the specific locations, such as the barbershop and the Apollo theater, every single detail of Harlem is important to creating to cohesive picture of "home" to this young boy. Despite the high volume of reasons given, each one is specific to the boy in a way that makes Harlem such a personal place in his life.

The idea of "home is where the heart is," is exemplified through the passion that is seen through the descriptions of each special part of Harlem. Something as simple as the "summer basketball" translates to the ability to "rise up and be a superstar for the day." Even though a child could go and play basketball in any part of the world, for this young boy, the specific summer heat and Harlem courts are what make it so special. I think the overall purpose of this children's book is to show how children are so observant of every little detail of their environment growing up, and how those details contribute to the feeling of "home."

I gave this book a high star rating, and would definitely recommend it to others, because I think that it is an incredible story of culture and the true meaning of "home." Growing up, the small details about my town and environment shaped who I am today. Meals and activities that were especially popular in my hometown made my childhood home meaningful to me, and even though I do not live there anymore, I still consider it "home." "Uptown" by Bryan Collier encourages readers to look at their own lives and what details of their "home" are most important to them. Even though this book was specific to Harlem, it was written in a way that others can connect to the overall theme.

[Samantha Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original Summary: The story is told from the point of view of a little boy that lives in Harlem. He tells the readers about what Harlem looks like, sounds like, tastes like, and feels like. He explains that this is his home and his world, and describes the things he feels represent Harlem.

Original Review: I personally enjoyed this book very much. I like that the book portrays this area is being so vibrant and upbeat. I love the illustrations that go with everything that is told in the story because they match everything that the little boy is saying. I also really like that the little boy is saying how much of a wonderful place Harlem is because children might have different ideas of what Harlem is based off things they have heard previously, so this story allows the children to hear the good things about this area, and I love that.

Other books to pair with/connect to: This book would go perfectly with other texts dealing with communities in today's society. All Kind of Families by Mary Ann Hoberman is perfect to pair with this book because it looks at all types of families in the community and the different things they do to contribute to the community. Students can then think of ways that they play a role in their communities and write about them in their journals or write a story during writer's workshop.

Quote: "Uptown is home." The simplicity of this quote is perfect for a book where students are accepting of their community and the people in it. It shows students that you can love the community in which you love and advocate that to other people. Students can write about different ways to mke their community become more like family and how they can care for the things in their community.

[Kayla Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pays homage to the city of Harlem and all of its many wonders. Each page starts with the words “Uptown is” but rather than use adjectives to describe Harlem, author, Bryan Collier, uses nouns, which helps personify Harlem as something that exists and is alive. The illustrations in the book are creative and abstract, and come together in a sort of collage. Some parts are painted, other parts are appear to be real photographs, some appear to be cut outs from magazines or newspapers, and on many pages they are all intertwined in one collage. This adds to the effect that there is a lot going on in Harlem. The illustrations use a variety of different colors with many pages having bright colors, as well as medium more rustic tones like brown and gray incorporated into them as well. It is evident that Collier enjoyed incorporating patterns into his illustrations as well, as can be seen in details like the wallpaper and people’s printed clothing. While the illustrations help to reinforce the story itself, they also tell another story, one of a young African American boy who takes pride in the many attributes of Harlem and calls it home. Ultimately, this idea of home to a small boy helps the audience have a more emotional connection to the book. The main theme in this book is the idea and meaning of home. This book could be used to teach about the city of Harlem and could be a great way to introduce a lesson where students write about their own hometowns. After reading the book students could make their own short books about where they live and why it is special to them.

Collier, B. (2000). Uptown. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child shows us his hometown of Harlem

[Marta Buryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really, really liked this book. First of all, it impressed me with the very personal, subjective description of Uptown. While reading, I felt as if the Boy took me to his secret, beloved place on Earth to show me what makes it so special. I liked the fact that the Boy presented a variety of things characteristic of Harlem - Jazz, basketball, vibrant market, girls wearing yellow dresses and even the chocolate-like buildings. All these details brought a very vivid image of Harlem to my mind and allowed me to see this place through the eyes of a child.
Secondly, I was amazed by the incredible illustrations and the collage compositions. I cannot even imagine how much time the illustrator had to spend in order to find proper pieces of newspapers, posters and pictures. The usage of collage to depict one's home or hometown reminds me of one of the works me and my classmates did during our art class in elementary school. The task was to create a collage presenting one's home. Everyone was worried because we simply could not find any proper pictures in the newspapers that would fully reflect the beauty and uniqeness of our homes so we ended up being a little bit disappointed:) In the case of Uptown, however, I think that Collier did a magnificent job of putting the seemingly unrelated pieces of pictures together so that they reflect the diverse, one of a kind atmosphere of Harlem.

[Shayla Ware · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uptown is a picture book written by Bryan Collier. Bryan Collier won the Coretta Scott King award for illustration and the Ezra Jack Keats award for new talent. The age rang for this book is four to eight it is a easy reader so kindergartners can read it with help and fourth graders will still be into the book. Uptown is about a young African American boy that tells his story about what Harlem is to him. He paints a beautiful picture of his town and makes you want to visit it for yourself. Uptown gives you that home feeling. It talks about the beautiful brown stones, delicious chicken and waffles, the Apollo theater, and the beautiful sound of jazz. I gave the book five stars because of how amazing the pictures are and the feeling the book leaves you with. I honestly enjoyed reading this book. This was a little boy that looked like me and lived in a city that gets a bad rep even though it is still a beautiful city just like mine. The pictures remind me of a collage the illustrator Bryan Collier layers his pictures and adds texture in a way that captures your eye. He makes the words move on the page in a way that flows with the topic of that page. This is a very kid friendly book and should be read by all inner city kids. This book will be very appealing to young readers because it catches their eye, they can relate to it ,and its words they can sound out and figure out on their own.

[Anna Laskownicka · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Uptown' amazingly depicts the climate of living in Harlem, the way the streets sound, what they look like, and what is everyday life of people composed of.

I really appreciate the hard work Bryan Collier put into the creation of this book. The collage technique is not as easy as many people think, therefore I can imagine that making all the illustrations by the use of different materials must be time-consuming, especially when one doesn't want it to look randomly.

Nevertheless, what I particularly appreciate in picture books is the clarity of the illustrations. Therefore, while reading 'Uptown' I had a feeling that every page contains too many details which discouraged me. Additionally, I am not a fan of very bright colours, and the intesity of hues in Collier's book was very tiring for me. Because of that, the text was not so visible as I would expect it to be, the pages seem to be a little bit too overloaded. I am aware that many readers find this book extremely appealing, and besides the book about Harlem cannot be presented in pale, fuzzy colours, as it would lose authenticity. Even so, I am happy that I had a chance to read 'Uptown', but this is not a book which I could read all over again.

[SA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope a copy of this is in every public library. Though written a decade and a half ago, Collier's gorgeous collage-driven artwork tells the story of contemporary Harlem through the eyes of a joyful young boy who lives there. "Uptown" does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to one of the most notable black communities in the US, and drives a narrative that is charming, upbeat, and beautiful.

As we continue to struggle with inclusion in this country, books like Collier's do the vital work of showing children that the world is more than what they know, that people who look differently or live differently are important, and valued, and celebrated. When books like "Uptown" are available and inclusive in children's collections, we as a culture stand to gain generations who view racism, misogyny, and anti-LGBTQ stances as relics of a backwards past.

"Uptown" was featured at the library during Black History Month, but I wish this book didn't need a special occasion to be displayed.

[Tess Upchurch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uptown follows a young African American boy on a tour through Harlem (or Uptown as the boy calls it). Throughout his tour he explains what Uptown looks, sounds, tastes, and feels like. The boy concludes by explaining that Uptown is Harlem, and Harlem is home.

I loved the illustrations in this book. They were vibrant and colorful; reflecting the joyful and happy
feelings that the young boy associates the city. The illustrations are done through a mixture of watercolors and collage. I felt that this mixed media approach worked very well. The watercolors allow the illustrator to bring the sky to life, while the collage reflects how well the different pieces of Harlem all fit together.

I would love to include this colorful book in my classroom library, but I do not think that I would read it out loud to my class. I think the short and choppy sentences may come off as confusing to students who are unfamiliar with this type of format. I would rather use a more traditionally set up book to avoid confusion.

[Kathleen Creevy]

Uptown is a story about a little boy from Harlem or ‘uptown’ New York City. In the book, the boy describes all the things that he loves about Harlem. He specifically describes the parts of his community that are important to him. For example, he talks about his favorite stores, the local train station, and even tells readers about his favorite foods of his community. Through his description of Duke Ellington music floating through town and the classic barbershop conversations readers experience a personal view into this vibrant community and its cultural traditions. Uptown can be used in a classroom to encourage students to think about their own neighborhoods and the things they love about where they live. Moreover, learning about Harlem addresses the fact that all neighborhoods are different and each student should understand where you come from is a part of their identity and values.

[Elizabeth Leiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reader, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the illustrations. They drew my attention into the book and made me want to keep flipping pages to see what would be next. I also like the simplicity of the story. Each page had very short and concise text, but it let you know exactly what the author thought or felt.
As a teacher, I would definitely have this book in my classroom. This would be good to use in the primary grades when discusses people from different cultures. Being from Alabama, I don't have a good concept of what it is like in New York, and prior to this book, I couldn't tell you what a brownstone was, so I'm sure my students will feel the same way. But this book teaches you that your traditions or culture norms play a role in developing who you are and what is important to you. This book can be used to teach that just because you don't know about another culture doesn't mean it's bad or any less valued than your own. It is just different, and that is okay.

[L11_Nick Mamula · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing picture book that sets out to capture the essence of America during the Harlem Renaissance. Focusing on the every day life of a boy and how he experiences the world around him during that time period. The medium of collage art in addition to some powerful illustrations, Collier does an excellent job of capturing the mood within each aspect of the culture.

As a teacher, I will look to use this book as a supplementary tool to help teach the Harlem Renassaince and the importance of the time period. The combination of the simplicity of the plot and the attractive colors will enable all ages to enjoy such a powerful book.

I recommend this book for any student between the primary grades and high school. Depending on how the teacher presents this story, the book can be used for a number of different tools.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a testament to Harlem!

This simple book shows the pride a boy has in his home, Harlem. The language is vibrant, the art is amazing! Collages on top of photographs, I found this a wonderful picture book to read. The reader can easily relate to the different settings the boy shares about uptown, his home.

The barber shop, the basketball courts, chicken and waffles, jazz, The Apollo, etc.

This book works well paired with Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers's Harlem.
****
I was surprised that several of my students knew chicken and waffles. This book, tiny as it is, really is a wonderful testament to the author's home. There are writing lessons to be learned here.

[Kaity · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uptown is a story about the part of town that a little boy lives in. The story is describing the different places of town as well as the things that happen in the town on different days. Bryan Collier uses the collage style of illustrations. I am not a huge fan of the collage style of illlustrations as I feel it sometimes takes away from the focus of the story. I do not think that the illustrations alone could tell the story of the book which is the definition of a great picture book in my opinion. I do however like seeing the different parts of the town and I like the style of narration coming from the child's point of view.

[Deyanira Genao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both written and illustrated by Bryan Collier, Uptown takes audiences on a tour of the northern Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem. Written from a first person point of view, the narrator, a young boy, describes what “Uptown” means to him by visiting the most important locations in his neighborhood. Intertwined with each location is some reference to people socializing and interacting or to important historical background information. Collier’s short, but thoughtful descriptions of each location enable readers to consider the emotional significance of each location, not simply for the narrator, but for all people who live or have lived in Harlem. As setting is central to this text, it is a great book to begin exploring the significance of setting across all literature.

[RLL22018_ Delashay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uptown is a reflection of a young boys take on his neighborhood. He discusses the buildings, business and people, along with their importance. The authors tone is easily understood, and the writing has a rhythm feel to it. The illustration is a bit soft, with lots of earth tone colors.

I would use this book as a social study tool. I would have the children create a map of their neighborhood. I could create a lesson plan on this book for grades k-5 , but children grades 2nd-3rd could easily read this book independently. On the map I would have the children identify popular establishments or area that they may visit. In the book they shopped uptown on 125th street, where do you shop in your neighborhood?

[Sister.Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Publisher: Henry Holt and co.
Date: 2000
Genre: Culture/Music
Strength: Gives a different view of Harlem told by a boy who sees it all and is captivated by all of it. The illustrations are unique because they are a variety of picture collages and painting. This story shows the good of the city and the rough side of the city. It shows what the boy sees every day and beautifully tells how he loves his city.
Interest: The illustrations are unique and colorful. I loved seeing the boy’s perspective on his city. It felt like I was seeing and experiencing the city with him throughout the story.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week. This was the first book of his library haul that he wanted to read.

I loved this book. The text is electric -- it sparks and vibrates with life, and yet it is at times as comfortable as a hug. But was really makes this book sing is the outstanding artwork, and I'm not just saying that because of the brownstone like chocolate. Although the brownstone like chocolate does help sway my opinion.

This is just an overall brilliant, slice-of-life book that captures much of the sense and setting of the Harlem Renaissance.

[Kiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uptown takes place in Harlem, New York the story of a little boy sharing Harlem through his lens making connections between the Metro North train to a catepillar or the brownstone apartments on the street to a chocoalte bar. The illustration of the book has bold color choices that were brought out by watercolors with amazing pictures of the New York streets. This a would be a good book to read to your students to show them how different parts of the world may look I know when read the book for the first time I never had been to New York but the way the boy described it I felt like I was really in New York and I knew the feeling and vibe of it. I personally loved this book it was so cute.

[Angela Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ages k-3rd

The illustrations are in rich and colorful multi mediums that reflect African American Art. The book is told from an African American boy’s point of view, which helps children relate. The author also relates normal city sights to animals, food, etc. so children can use their imagination to see what the boy sees. Children will enjoy the bright illustrations in this book.

History/Social Studies

Lesson Idea: Students can discuss what kinds of houses, animals, ect that they see in their neighborhoods

[Lillian Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan Collier's beautiful illustrations combine collage and paintings. This text may inspire students to write about their own cities or homes in narrative or poem form, and illustrate their writing with similar combinations of photographs, collaged pictures or construction paper, and drawings. I love how the poem is written from a fresh perspective, though writing about home, a place known so well. This is a great example of looking at the world through a poetic lense, of oticing the details and describing them in a unique way, and of using voice and rhythm in poetry.

[Dianne J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age of readership: Ages 4-8

Genre: Picture Book

Diversity: The sights, sounds, tastes and smells of Harlem New York

Illustrations: Mixed media - Bold watercolor with fabric, photos, pieces of wallpaper and newsprint

My response to the book: This story is told from the perspective of a young child growing up in Harlem. You can practically feel the vibe of a sensory packed downtown experience. I think it is a great book.

Curricular/Programming connections: This book would be used in a story time about New York City.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award Winner: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

A young boy shows his love for his home, "Uptown", which is Harlem. He travels through his city, commenting on all that he sees. The highlights of Harlem are mentioned by the young narrator, such as Apollo Theatre, 125th St., and the city's brownstones.

The illustrations in Collier's book are amazingly produced using fabrics, watercolours, and paper pieces. The young boy's love for his community is evident as you read through the story.

[Stephanie Mixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never been to Harlem, but I now feel that there are some aspects of the city that I am aware of. The short descriptions of food, noises, and sights that this boy connects with his hometown is perfect. The illustrations along with the descriptions really give a vivid picture for the reader.

I would use this book for 1st through 3rd grade because of the text and illustrations. This a wonderful book to inspire the use of senses when referring to someplace you have visited. This method can also be used to describe other special things in someone's life.