The Artivist

Starred review from July 17, 2023
A Black child who is both activist and artist combines those concepts in this layered work from Smith (That Flag). For the story’s narrator, who loves to paint and to “seed goodness,” the world they live in often proves not to be the world they want, as visualized by the building-size monster they face that’s made up of all manner of injustices. Bringing their identities together to effect change, the child determines to make art that will “show everyone what isn’t working right.” Kinetic textured digital illustrations portray issues of gentrification and housing insecurity, pollution and waste, hate and racism, and voter disenfranchisement, among others, while simple language makes big actions feel powerfully straightforward (“This needs to be fixed. This needs to be fixed too”). Envisioning “the broken bones I see and the healing I hope for” makes an impact: when the child paints a mural that transforms an eviction-related sign from “MOVE TODAY” to “LOVE TODAY,” the image goes viral, inspiring others. It’s a meaningful portrait of artistic advocacy that ends with an invitation: “The Artivist is you. What change will you bring?” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.

July 15, 2023
In this autobiographical picture book by acclaimed "artivist" Smith, a young artist learns to use his talent for social commentary. A Black child who loves to paint and help the community sees problems in the world that make him want to act. Aware of issues that need to be addressed--an unhoused person and someone being prevented from voting are pictured--he decides to combine his identities as an artist and as an activist, to "take ACTION with my ART," and be an "ARTIVIST." His art shows what is broken and what might heal it. When his painting on a city wall catches the attention of news outlets, its impact multiplies. In the second half of the story, the text describes what an artivist does while the visuals show various activist-related art, from murals to protest signs, that inspire empathy and spark change. The intimate, first-person narration draws readers right into the story, and the protagonist's heartfelt concern for justice keeps readers engaged through the hopeful ending message. Smith's vibrant art, full of expressive strokes and effective use of color, light, and dark, complements the text beautifully; while his words are broad and general, the images depict specific issues facing contemporary society. This expression of active love, solidarity, and compassion will resonate with and inspire readers of all ages. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A powerful read-aloud to share and discuss. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 27, 2023

Gr 2-4-In simple words accompanying art that seems to explode off the page, Smith articulates his mission as an artist and an activist: "I will sketch and draw and scribble and paint the broken bones I see and the healing I hope for." In his vigorously brushed images a small, curly-haired young muralist with brown skin witnesses a series of emblematic scenes from people forced into homelessness and hunger to children protesting gun violence and commemorating lives lost to it, expressing support for trans kids, and standing up to those who threaten the environment-and then invites readers to join in the crusade to spark healing in their own creative, individual ways. "We Rise," proclaims a ribbon looping around young figures joyfully dancing, painting, writing, and filming. "The artivist is you," the author concludes, urging his audience to "visualize a path forward that allows for true healing, equity, and inclusion. VERDICT Children with strong creative impulses will hear the call to action in this ringing statement of purpose.-John Edward Peters

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2023
Smith's testimony of his artivism journey illuminates the heart of an artistic Black boy desperate to make the world a better place. The text reflects on the concept of "artivism" and what it can achieve, as well as the character traits required to be an artivist. The artivist is many things, readers learn �? an ally in the fight against injustice, a memory keeper, visionary, and more. With their studied rawness and striking visual metaphors, Smith's painterly digital illustrations are concept art-esque, and depict the boy ten toes down �? wielding his paintbrush to peacefully protest gun violence, environmental degradation, housing inequality, and other societal transgressions. An image showing a mural, painted by the boy, becoming a viral sensation highlights the tectonic, auxiliary role of social media in contemporary resistance art movements.

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

April 19, 2024
Grades K-3 Smith channels his personal journey of using art to effect change into this captivating picture book. Told through the eyes of a frustrated young Black boy, the narrative unfolds against vivid, painterly illustrations. As he observes many problems (homelessness, gentrification, voter suppression) in the streets of his neighborhood, he decides, "I think it's time to combine both parts of who I am: / to take ACTION with my ART. / It's time to become an ARTIVIST." Armed with buckets of bright yellow and orange paint, the boy paints a heart mural on an old apartment building and alters the large eviction notice ("Move Today") to read, "Love Today." And it goes viral. The story then takes on a wider scope to demonstrate how all kinds of art can be wielded to combat hate. The use of pressing, modern problems (gun violence, trans rights, environmental protection, racial justice) as elements of the illustrations adds depth and meaning to the visual storytelling. With its powerful message and striking visuals, this book stands as an uplifting and empowering call to action.

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