Uptown Harlem

Uptownby Mrs. Lebovic

& Mrs. Campbell’sFirst Grade Class

Celebrating Black History Month

1. Bryan Collier is an African-American author and artist. He has been living in Harlem since 1985.

Ellie

2. Mr. Collier is the author and illustrator of the book Uptown. This book has won the Coretta Scott King and Ezra Jack Keats awards.

Heath

3. This book gives us a tour of Harlem through the eyes of a young boy.

Gibraan

4. The story begins: Uptown is a caterpillar. Well, it’s really the Metro-North train as it eases over the Harlem River.

Audrey

5. Uptown is chicken and waffles served around the clock. At first it seems like a weird combination, but it works.

Bennett

6. Uptown is a row of brownstones. I like the way they come together when you look at them down the block. They look like they are made of chocolate.

Maddie

7. Uptown is weekend shopping on 125th Street. The vibe is always jumping as people bounce to their own rhythms.

Eden

8. Uptown is a stage. The Apollo Theater has showcased the greatest entertainers in the world. I hope we can get good seats.

Charlie

9. Uptown is jazz. My grandfather says, “Jazz and Harlem are a perfect match—just like chicken and waffles.”

Jordyn

10. Uptown is a barbershop. It’s a place where last night’s ball game can be more important than what style haircut you want.

Ben

11. Uptown is a Van Der Zee photograph. I saw a picture from before my dad was even born—a picture of my grandparents’ wedding day!

Nolen

12. Uptown is summer basketball at the Ruckers. Anyone can rise up and be a superstar for a day.

Tanner

13. Uptown is canvas awnings on the windows to block the sun. It’s like the buildings are all dressed up.

Brantley

14. Uptown is little sisters. They are on their way to church in matching yellow dresses.

Camryn

15. Uptown is the orange sunset over the Hudson River. That means it’s time for the streetlights to come on and for me to get home and get changed.

Brianna

16. Uptown is a song sung by the Boys Choir of Harlem. Each note floats through the air and lands like a butterfly.

Zoe

17. Uptown is Harlem. Harlem world, my world. Uptown is home.

Johnny

18. During the 1930’s, much of Harlem fell apart due to the depression.

Andrew

19. After many years, Harlem is enjoying another rebirth. It is called “a neighborhood on the rise.”

Daniel

20. While many African Americans still live in Harlem, many different kinds of people are moving there today.

Olivia

21. The author of Uptown, Bryan Collier, still lives in Harlem. He likes to go into schools and talk to children about books and art.

Patrick

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