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 April 19, 1971) is an American author and artist. He creates amazing picture books for young readers. In 2017, he won the famous Caldecott Medal for his book Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. This book also won other important awards, like the Americas Award and the Coretta Scott King Book Award.
Growing Up in Brooklyn
Javaka Steptoe grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His father was John Steptoe, a well-known author and illustrator too. John Steptoe won Caldecott Honors twice for his books. Javaka even modeled for his father's books when he was young! Later, Javaka went to Cooper Union college and earned a degree in fine arts.
His Books and Art
Radiant Child
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 won the 2017 Caldecott Medal. This award is given to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children. It also won the Americas Award and the 2017 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.
Other Works
Javaka Steptoe has illustrated other books too. He drew pictures for Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: A Story of the Young Jimi Hendrix (2010). He also wrote and illustrated In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers (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 lives in Brooklyn, New York.
