Born in the South Bronx, Charles G. Esperanza is an author, illustrator and an art teacher at the Serviam Gardens Senior Center in the Bronx. As an ode to his neighborhood, Charles created the vibrant picture book Boogie Boogie, Y’All, which celebrates the rich culture of New York City’s graffiti art and hip hop music. While some may not consider graffiti to be “real art,” Boogie Boogie, Y’All conveys how street art is a form of expression, a source of inspiration and a means of bringing people together – just like any other medium.

With colorful, vivid illustrations, the book showcases a city alive with art in every corner of the parks, the shops, and the trains. But most people are too busy to see it—or worse, choose to ignore it! When three children stop to marvel at the art around their community, they realize it’s up to them to show everyone else how truly special it is when art and reality seamlessly dance together.

Boogie Boogie, Y’All’s snappy rhymes provide an infectious read-aloud beat, and features recognizable cultural sights and sounds of a NYC block party. Publisher’s Weekly called Boogie Boogie, Y’All “a lovingly rendered, upbeat recognition of contemporary art forms, and a salient reminder to revel in art, culture, and community.” And Kirkus Reviews said: “How refreshing to read a picture book that centers the experience of the many children growing up in diverse cityscapes and acknowledges the unique beauty of cities and the many forms urban art can take.”