Javaka Steptoe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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Steptoe at the 2017 Texas Book Festival
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| Born | 19 April 1971 |
| Notable awards | Caldecott Medal Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award |
| Parents | John Steptoe (father) |
Javaka Steptoe, born on April 19, 1971, is an American author and illustrator. He creates amazing picture books for young readers. In 2017, he won the prestigious Caldecott Medal. He also received the Americas Award and the Coretta Scott King Book Award. These awards were for his book Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. This book tells the story of a young artist.
Growing Up and Learning
Javaka Steptoe grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His father was John Steptoe, a famous author and illustrator too. John Steptoe won Caldecott Honors twice. He won for The Story of Jumping Mouse in 1985. He also won for Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters in 1988.
When Javaka was a child, he sometimes posed for his father's books. Later, Javaka went to Cooper Union college. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree there.
His Creative Work
Javaka Steptoe's book Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat was inspired by an art show. He saw the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat at the Brooklyn Museum in 2005. This experience led him to create the picture book.
The book was very successful. It won the 2017 Caldecott Medal. This is a top award for children's picture books. It also won the Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature. In addition, it received the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. These awards are given by the American Library Association.
Steptoe has illustrated other books as well. He illustrated Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix in 2010. He also wrote and illustrated In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers in 1997. This book also won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. It also received the 1998 Firecracker Alternative Book Award.
Life in Brooklyn
Javaka Steptoe continues to live in Brooklyn, New York.
