BROADCASTS.com

Born in the South Bronx, Charles G. Esperanza is an author, illustrator and an art teacher at the Serviam Gardens Senior Center in the Bronx. As an ode to his neighborhood, Charles created the vibrant picture book Boogie Boogie, Y\u2019All, which celebrates the rich culture of New York City\u2019s graffiti art and hip hop music. While some may not consider graffiti to be \u201creal art,\u201d Boogie Boogie, Y\u2019All conveys how street art is a form of expression, a source of inspiration and a means of bringing people together \u2013 just like any other medium.

With colorful, vivid illustrations, the book showcases a city alive with art in every corner of the parks, the shops, and the trains. But most people are too busy to see it\u2014or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it\u2019s up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality seamlessly dance together.

Boogie Boogie, Y\u2019All\u2019s snappy rhymes provide an infectious read-aloud beat, and features recognizable cultural sights and sounds of a NYC block party. Publisher\u2019s Weekly called Boogie Boogie, Y\u2019All \u201ca lovingly rendered, upbeat recognition of contemporary art forms, and a salient reminder to revel in art, culture, and community.\u201d And Kirkus Reviews said: \u201cHow refreshing to read a picture book that centers the experience of the many children growing up in diverse cityscapes and acknowledges the unique beauty of cities and the many forms urban art can take.\u201d