Christmas Gif' [Hardcover]

Charlemae Rollins (Author), Joseph Rollins (Author), Ashley Bryan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 1993 | Age Level: 7 and up

The importance of Christmas in African-American life is affirmed in an anthology of poetry and prose by such writers as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, rereleased with forty-five linoleum block illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Kirkus Reviews

Thirty years after its original publication, this landmark anthology of poems, songs, stories, and recipes, by and about African-Americans, is welcomed back in handsome new dress, with a new introduction by Augusta Baker describing her part in the first compilation, an intelligent note from Rollins's son explaining the decision to retain the original language (``While some...may seem outdated, to make any changes would certainly alter the artistic intent...[The] language does not obscure the messages of peace, unity, and goodwill that still ring true...''), and splendid new linoleum-block illustrations--at once decorative, lively, expressive, and dignified. Among the 35 entries, the poems (some of Langston Hughes's were first published here) are a particularly rich resource. A book that belongs in every library. Index. (Anthology. 4+) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 106 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (September 23, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688116671
• ISBN-13: 978-0688116675
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,713,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent compilation of African American Holiday Lore, July 22, 2005

By 

Morgan (Cleveland, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Christmas Gif' (Hardcover)

Having received this book personally from Charlemae Rollins when I was 4 or 5 years old, I have treasured the stories, poems, and recipes for as long as I can remember. Through her stories, recipes, and first person narrative Ms. Rollins provides us all with a glimpse of the significance of the Christmas season to our slave ancestors, and the tiny bit of joy they were able to enjoy each year, if only for a short time. More contemporary stories and poems helped round out the happiness and pain of the holiday season as experienced in the African American community. For my part, my favorite story (for the past 40 years) is "How Come Christmas," a folk tale that beautifully integrates the presence of Santa into the birth of Christ in a way that makes perfect sense to children, and is charming to adults.

Thank goodness this book is still available! If you are interested in Christmas stories, traditions, food, etc. it is a MUST READ. Additionally, it adds an important dimension to American History and traditions from an African American perspective.