Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes [Paperback]

Floyd Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Young Langston Hughes was a dreamer. He dreamed about heroes like Booker T. Washington, who was black just like him. When he heard the clackety-clack of train wheels, he dreamed about the places it had been. But most of all, he dreamed about having a happy home. And so, one day, he began turning those dreams into beautiful prose. As he did, he discovered where his home really was--in the words and rhythms of his poetry that reached people all over the world. The beloved Langston Hughes comes to life in a book for poets, dreamers, children and adults --anyone who has ever thought of what home means to them. Teachers looking for a good way to introduce youngsters to this prominent poet will find this book to be an excellent accompaniment to his work. --School Library Journal Like Hughes' poetry, the power of Cooper's story is that it confronts sadness even as it transcends it. --Booklist His text is as inviting as his illustrations. --The New York Times Book Review

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116127
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116122
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #715,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Literary

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The GREAT ONES usually start from HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, March 4, 2005

By 

Reginald D. Garrard "the G-man" (Camilla, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes (Paperback)

Floyd Cooper's book is the perfect introduction to the early life of one of America's literary giants. This biography covers so much ground, with historical references, as well as stressing the importance of family, that the book is an asset to teach different subject areas.

Smaller children can relate to the simple narrative, while older readers can make connections between the young "dreamer" and the works for which he would be later known.

The book could fit easily in the library of both an elementary or high school.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Walking with Pride, June 6, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes (Paperback)

This story is so moving. Showing hardships, love, and finding acceptance.It tells of an Afician child learning about his history and walking tall as a man. It was very moving, the pictures were soft and had a texture of warmth. I would highly recommend it for reading.

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Illustrations, December 2, 2001

By 

Lori Divine (Missouri, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes (Paperback)

The watercolor illustrations employed represent the setting perfectly, regardless if the point in the story was that of a rural Kansas, Kansas City street life, and Mexican village. What wonderful impressionistic artwork! There seems to be an inner light in the faces of each person represented in the illustrations.
The action and music portrayed in the text, carries over into the illustrations. The book's illustrations show movement and action. A sense of happiness or loneliness is conveyed through the watercolor paintings. They are very explicit in showing emotion. Overall, text and illustrations, lend this to being one of the best biographical books for young children.