Review Detail

Doodles From the Boogie Down

Kids Nonfiction 722

The Bronx is UP...

April 27, 2023 (Updated: June 06, 2026)

Overall rating

3.7

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Learning Value

3.0

It's the early 2000s, and in New York City, applying for high schools is a big thing. Steph lives with her busy but strict mother, who is from the Dominican Republic, and who wants her to keep attending Catholic Schools. Her mother also doesn't allow her to do much by herself, and is super embarassing, walking her to school and buying her the wrong kind of shoes. Steph's friends are looking at a variety of schools, but because she likes art, Steph is very interested in LaGuardia, an arts school. It is in Manhattan, so her mother thinks it is a very bad idea, even though she knows how much Steph likes art. Art isn't a good career choice, says her mother, so Steph is encouraged to apply to more rigorous, academic, Catholic schools. Steph's art teacher notices her interest, and encourages her. The two have an after school "club" where they work on Steph's portfolio. The teacher also invites Steph to go to art galleries with her and her daughter, and also explores art in Steph's neighborhood of the Bronx as well. How will Steph make her mother see the value in her art work, and convince her to follow her dreams?

Good Points

Steph's love of bright colors is evident in the vibrant pages of this semi-autobiographical story. Tween readers will relate to being left alone after school, and also to having parents who care too much some times, and don't care enough others. There is some friend drama, a lot of adventure in New York City, and a palpable feeling of wanting to be in control of one's own life despite parental attempts to control it. In my mind, the 2000s are indistinguishable from today, but this managed to convey a pre 9/11 sense of optimism and light heartedness that is notably lacking in modern works.

There are a growing number of memoirs in graphic noveal format, and they are popular with young readers who don't normally like historical fiction. Bermudez' Big Apple Diaries is another look at life in New York City, and Maybe An Artist by Liz Montague and Kantorovitz's Sylvie both offer views of young artists struggling to get people in their lives to accept their love of art. The early 2000s are having quite a moment now, with crop tops and hoodies returning to the fashion scene, so this will be a great choice for readers who are interested in that era.