User:Dumagoes/Bird

Bird written by Zetta Elliott and illustrated by Shadra Strickland is a picture book written in 2008. It won the New Voices Award Honor from its publishing company Lee & Low Books Incorporation.

Background
Zetta Elliot is a poet, author, and obtained a doctorate degree in American Studies from NYU. She wrote Bird as her first children's book in 2008.

Plot Summary
The book narratives the story of a black, young, artistic, boy named Mehkai. His nickname is Bird, given to him by his Grandad. Bird loves to draw birds more than anything, and sometimes goes to the roof of his home to watch birds fly. His brother Marcus is a graffiti artist that taught Bird to draw. Marcus introduces the difficulties that exists in him, and his brother turns to his Granddad for advice. Through his drawings and surrounding elders, Mehkai learns to comprehend Marcus's complicated situation.