Smoky Night [Paperback]

Eve Bunting’s heartfelt story and David Diaz’s dramatic illustrations create a compelling child’s-eye view of urban violence. A young boy and his mother are forced to flee their apartment during a night of rioting in Los Angeles. Fires and looting force neighbors—who have always avoided one another—to come together in the face of danger and concern for their missing pets. David Diaz was awarded the Caldecott Medal for his bold acrylic paint and photo-collage illustrations.

In this Caldecott Medal-winning modern classic, a young boy and his mother are forced to leave their apartment for the safety of a shelter during a night of rioting.

Winner of the Caldecott Medal
An ALA Notable Children's Book
AnAmerican BooksellerPick of the Lists
AHungry Mind ReviewBook of Distinction
APublishers WeeklyChildren's Bestseller
AParents' ChoiceAward Winner
ASchool Library JournalBest Book of the Year

“Diaz has not been afraid to take risks in illustrating the story with thickly textured paintings against a background of torn-paper and found-object collage. Without becoming cluttered or gimmicky, these pictures manage to capture a calamitous atmosphere that finally calms. . . . Both author and artist have managed to portray a politically charged event without pretense or preaching.”  —The Bulletin

"Monumental.”  —The New York Times Book Review

"Visually exciting.”  —Publishers Weekly

"A memorable, thought-provoking book.”  —The Horn Book

"Outstandingly handsome . . . an excellent vehicle for discussion.”  —Kirkus Reviews

"[A] powerful story.”  —School Library Journal

"A remarkable book.”  &mlÃÂ