Families who loved Take a Picture of Me, James VanDerZee! by Andrea J. Loney often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child expresses interest in photography, or when you want to discuss how seeing beauty in one's own community is a powerful act of pride. It is an ideal choice for fostering a sense of identity and helping children understand how art can be a tool for social change and dignity. The story follows James VanDerZee from his first camera in a small town to his legendary studio in Harlem during its Renaissance. It explores themes of perseverance and the importance of capturing the 'inner light' of every person. Loney's text, paired with Keith Mallett's rich illustrations, is perfectly pitched for elementary schoolers, offering a hopeful and empowering look at history through a creative lens.
