The engaging narrator of this child-centered collection of poems begins with an invitation to readers: “I’m DeShawn Williams / I’m ten years old / come see who I live with — / who I love!” Through poems and pictures, we meet DeShawn’s extended family: his mother, grandmother, uncle, aunt, and cousin Tiffany, all of whom live in DeShawn’s house in an urban neighborhood. DeShawn’s observations about his family, friends, school, and neighborhood show the typical concerns of many ten-year-olds. His grandmother is his confidant (“I could tell her anything / she never tells my secrets”). His cousin Tiffany (“she’s ten too / and tall and tough”) is both friend and rival. DeShawn spends most of his free time playing with Tiffany, his best friend Johnny Tse, and other kids on his block. He loves his neighborhood but hates the ever-present graffiti so much that it gives him nightmares. Uncle Richie comforts him (“Don’t worry DeShawn / it’s just words / they can’t hurt you”). The violence DeShawn sees on the evening news also scares him; when he mentions it to his teacher in a later poem, it inspires a classroom letter-writing project. Overall, DeShawn comes across as a realistic, exuberant, self-assured, yet vulnerable child, who gets plenty of emotional support from the elders in his family and at school, especially when he must face the death of his beloved grandmother. R. Gregory Christie’s fine acrylic paintings capture both the physical and emotional aspects of DeShawn’s character by using a style that effectively exaggerates heads, hands, and eyes. (Ages 6–11)

In this uplifting story told in verse, a young boy living in the inner city projects tells about his hopes, fears, and dreams.

I'm DeShawn Williams
I'm ten years old
come see who I live with --
who I love!

From this inviting opening, we are swept into ten-year-old DeShawn's world where we meet his family, his friends, and learn about his hopes and dreams. DeShawn lives in the projects, where "You don't just hear music / you hear sirens too /cop cars and ambulances /screaming all the time /real loud at you." This is also a place where neighbors gather for barbecues, and where DeShawn and his cousin build a snowman in the winter. We experience the death of DeShawn's grandmother, deeply feeling his sadness and loss. And we share the hope as he and his mother turn to each other for comfort. Readers from all backgrounds will be charmed by this upbeat, compassionate, and creative young boy.

In his first children's book, author Tony Medina draws from his experiences growing up in the projects to create this dynamic character. Award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie beautifully captures the emotion, humor, and strength of the story through his powerful illustrations. An afterword from the author expands on his connection to the story and explains how he was inspired to become a writer.