Dream Street, Written by Tricia Elam Walker and Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

 


Description from the publisher:
"Visit a truly special street bursting with joy, hope, and dreams. Inspired by the neighborhood where they grew up as cousins, this gorgeous picture book from an award-winning illustrator and critically acclaimed author is the perfect gift or keepsake for every generation.
 
Welcome to Dream Street--the best street in the world!  Jump rope with Azaria--can you Double Dutch one leg at a time?  Dream big with Ede and Tari, who wish to create a picture book together one day. Say hello with Mr. Sidney, a retired mail carrier who greets everyone with the words, "Don't wait to have a great day. Create one!" On Dream Street, love between generations rules, everyone is special, and the warmth of the neighborhood shines.
 
A magical story from the critically acclaimed author of Nana Akua Goes to School and a Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winning illustrator. Illuminating this vivid cast of characters are vibrant, joyful illustrations that make this neighborhood--based on the Roxbury neighborhood in Boston where the author and illustrator grew up together as cousins--truly sing. This book is a perfect way for parents to share with their children the importance of community."

Text Features: 

  • Fictional picture book in English
  • Includes author and illustrator notes explaining characters based on the author's and illustrator's real life childhoods. 
  • Includes extended dedications after the author/illustrator notes–great for exploring how friends and family enabled the book's creators to fulfill their dreams!
Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 

  • There is a lot of "everyday wisdom" (words that encourage and inspire) shared by characters in this book. Pause and discuss as you notice examples. 
  • As you read through the book, take note of the different dreams each character has: 
    • What is their dream?
    • Who encourages them to fulfill their dreams?
    • What do they learn from others?
    • Do you, or does anyone you know, have a dream similar to this one? (remember, as the author says, dreams "are different as thumbprints" but some are more alike than others!)
Write & Act: 
  • Write about a dream you have for yourself, your family, your community, or the whole world. Write about what can you do to help make it come true; and who can help you along the way.   
  • Interview someone in your classroom or family to learn more about their dreams and how you might be able to help them realize their dreams. 

Learn More:


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