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

Floyd Cooper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 1998 | 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

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

When Floyd Cooper discovered children's book illustrating, he found a way to complement his career in advertising. An apprentice of Mark English, Mr. Cooper began his freelance career while still a student at the University of Oklahoma. After graduating, he made his way to Missouri, where he secured a position at a greeting card company.

Although Mr. Cooper was established in his position there, he felt somewhat stifled. He lacked the freedom and opportunity for spontaneity that he longed for as an artist and the joy that could be found in doing something that he loved.

Determined to break out of the mundane cycle he found himself in, Mr. Cooper relocated to the East Coast in 1984 to pursue his career further. It was there that he discovered the world of children's book illustrating and was amazed by the opportunities for creativity it afforded. Mr. Cooper was energized. The first book he illustrated, Grandpa's Face, captivated reviewers. Publishers Weekly said of newcomer Floyd Cooper's work, "Cooper, in his first picture book, creates family scenes of extraordinary illumination. He reinforces in the pictures the feelings of warmth and affection that exist between generations."

Illustrating children's books is very important to Mr. Cooper. He says, "I feel children are at the frontline in improving society. This might sound a little heavy, but it's true. I feel children's picture books play a role in counteracting all the violence and other negative images conveyed in the media."

Floyd Cooper resides in New Jersey with his wife, Velma, and their two sons.

copyright © 2000 by Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Mass Market 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: #578,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 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 (Mass Market 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 (Mass Market 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 (Mass Market 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.