Starboy

April 1, 2021
A boy with "the rhythm of the stars" longs to share the joy with everyone around him in this fictional imagining of rocker David Bowie's childhood. David, a lonely White boy with long legs and mismatched eyes, "shimmy-shake[s]" and "tip-tap[s]" to cosmic chatter that no one else can feel. The other kids at school call him strange, so David tries to fall in line and shuts his windows at night to silence the noise. When his radio comes to life in his too-quiet room, the sound floods his heart with inspiration and determination to share the commotion, color, and energy of the stars through music. Swirls of sparkling, galactic colors that twine around David make a lively visual representation of sound. This fantastical interpretation sheds a glowing, idyllic, and aspirational light on David Bowie's life and career. While the story itself focuses on a child discovering self-expression, the aftermatter discusses Bowie's rise to stardom without the lens of fantasy--but also without critique, describing him as an "otherworldly talent." Even the physical altercation that damaged his eye receives a positive gloss. Mention of his loneliness and family struggles juxtaposed with the fictional narrative about a misunderstood child casts him as a sympathetic underdog. As a tribute to a glorified star, it's sure to have high appeal. Illustrations depict background characters with light to dark brown skin. A visually striking pedestal for an idolized music icon. (author's note, additional facts, sources) (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Starred review from May 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 2-Gigot's latest tells the fantastical story of a young David Bowie. David is portrayed as an imaginative young boy, creating different characters that adults will recognize. He feels like a stranger on his own planet, one that has a deep connection to the music of the universe. David's fervent actions get him in trouble at school and his classmates ostracize him. He tries to ignore the unique feelings he has, but it becomes impossible when his radio bursts to life and David discovers music. He delves deeper into the musical world and starts to find his place. Gigot's gorgeous mixed-media illustrations bring the story to life. Music is represented with swirls of color coming out of radios and stereos, engulfing David as he walks around town. Diversity in his school and the city is depicted throughout. Back matter includes an author's note, facts about Bowie, and a list of sources. VERDICT Regardless of children's knowledge of Bowie, the message of an outsider who finds his way will resonate and delight. Recommended for all collections.-Sara Thomas, New Castle Public Library, New Castle, DE

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.