I really enjoyed this book and the illustrations! It follows a young boy describing what his home looks like, sounds like, and feels like, and how he loves where he comes from. It is a beautiful story of self acceptance as he explains why he loves his home and the people and places around him. I think primary students could easily read this book and use it to see into another culture or see their own culture properly represented. ( )

This primary book gives insights as to what uptown is for the main character. It is full of bright colors and interesting pictures and would be great in the classroom.

This book takes you through 'Uptown' and through the eyes of a young boy who loved there. I would recommend this book for younger elementary because it is a great way to learn about where someone grew up, what the culture was like, where people went, and had so many visuals to follow. along with. ( )

I liked this book for a few reasons. Uptown is about a young African American boy who narrates the story as if he was taking someone on a tour of the sights and sounds of the neighborhood, Harlem, which happens to be his hometown. One reason I enjoyed this story is because of the amazing illustrations that enhance the story. Bryan Collier, the author, made collages by blending cut up paper and watercolor. These illustrations portray the people going about their lives in the neighborhood of Harlem. For example, there is a page that says, “Uptown is the weekend shopping on 125th street” and the beautiful illustrations clearly depict people shopping on 125th street. Another reason I liked this book is because the writing flows so smoothly. For example, on every page it says, “Uptown is…” and then it follows with new information about what Uptown is. For example, “Uptown is [a caterpillar, chicken and waffles, a row of brownstones, etc.]” Lastly, I enjoyed this book because of the first-person point of view. For example, the narrator says, “I like the way they come together when you look at them down the block” and “My grandfather says, “jazz and Harlem are a perfect match—just like chicken and waffles.” I like how the point of view is in first person because as the reader, we have the opportunity to see/understand what this young boy thinks of his hometown, Harlem. I think the big, overall message of this book is that there are places and aspects that make every neighborhood special. ( )