Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life

Just Jerry by Jerry Pinkney.

I spent about three days reading this, taking my time through this autobiography.

Released after Pinkney’s death, it is I think one of the best children’s autobiographies that I’ve read.

I think this is a must read. A must buy. A must.

It’s an almost Charlotte Mason childhood filled with the outdoors, with art, with songs, and with memories of being read to by his mother.

It’s lovely, warm and inviting- and fascinating to watch him develop as an artist.

It’s got a great description of dyslexia which I think would be helpful to parents who do not have it and comforting to children who do.

5 stars. It deserves a Newbery. I don’t think this book will get the attention it deserves because show more unfashionably, it shows success when DEI says he should have failed. It describes accurately the racism he experienced and living within black America.

I think…for all the awards and accolades he received- this is his best work. show less

Gr 3–7—This illustrated memoir centers the late Caldecott Medalist's childhood in 1940s Philadelphia, capturing his
voice and heart through the sepia-toned sketches and earnest recollections. Perhaps we didn't get to read this as
Pinkney had envisioned it, but for his admirers and kids everywhere, this is just perfect.