Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!

“Children will be drawn in by VanDerZee’s struggles, inspirations, and achievements as well as the idea that photographs can be both works of art and enduring historical records… A fascinating look at the development of early photography, the life of an African-American artist, and the world of the Harlem Renaissance.  ” – Kirkus

“In an absorbing debut, Loney introduces African-American photographer VanDerZee, who moved from Massachusetts to Harlem at age 18 with a dream and a camera: He saw what was special in everyone and captured each person s story on film. Mallett s lush acrylic paintings glow with a golden light in several scenes, treating his subject (and the Harlem Renaissance movement he documented) with the same reverence VanDerZee brought to his work. Loney closes on a triumphant note with VanDerZee s photographs on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. An extensive afterword features several of VanDerZee s photographs and additional insights into his life and work.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review