I and I: Bob Marley by Tony Medina, illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson

Tony Medina explains, “[I and I] discourages thinking of oneself solely as an individual but instead as part of a community.” Written in verse that imagines Marley’s life recounted in his voice, this biography of Bob Marley explores these communities, the childhood, religious, and political roots that came to shape Marley’s signature reggae style. Watson illustrates each poem with a boldly colored painting that captures the moment and mood. The book ends with a Notes section where the biographical details and information that motivated each poem are explained in accessible language. Many of our students are drawn to Bob Marley’s story, but others may come to this book out of an interest in poetry, art, or biography in general. Teachers may use this book to teach biography, first-person perspective, and poetry.

Medina, Tony and Jesse Joshua Watson, illus. I and I: Bob Marley. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2009.