Night Ride - by Christopher Myers (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A stunning, first-of-its-kind, wordless picture book in the medium of stained glass about a group of kids riding through NYC, capturing the joy of Black childhood and the freedom of exploring a city that feels like it belongs to you, from Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers.

Setting out on a warm and glorious night, a group of kids grab their bikes to explore a city that for a moment in time feels like it belongs entirely to them. Riding from Harlem, through Central Park, to Chinatown, and over the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic landmarks of New York City become mirrors that reflect their joy and freedom. Rooted in the quotidian and expanding into the fantastical, this wordless picture book by Caldecott Honoree Christopher Myers is illustrated entirely in stained glass, reminding us that Black childhood is beautiful, fragile, and holy.

Review Quotes

Praise for Night Ride by Christopher Myers:

The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show selection

★ "Luminous, electric...Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Myers' visuals serve as fine art in motion...in ways that help to expand the picture-book form itself." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "A luminous visual love letter to Black childhood and New York City." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "The illustrations' vivid colors, dynamic shapes, and surprising angles make every spread a visual and technical marvel...one to savor." --The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

★ "Remarkable...Equal parts enticing picture book and art exhibit on Black joy, this glorious project could only be improved by seeing the panels illuminated in person. Until then, rereads of this outstanding achievement will have to suffice." --Booklist, starred review

★ "Radiant artwork and a wordless dance of a story...virtuosic." --School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Christopher Myers is an award-winning author, illustrator, and fine artist. Myers is the acclaimed illustrator of Love: Selected Poems by E. E. Cummings; Harlem: A Poem, a Caldecott Honor Book; Jazz, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book; and Blues Journey, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book. He is also the author-illustrator of Black Cat and H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imagination, both Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books; We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart; A Time to Love: Stories from the Old Testament; Looking Like Me; Wings; and Fly! While he is widely acclaimed for his work with literature for young people, he is also an accomplished fine artist who has lectured and exhibited internationally.