The Dream Keeper and Other Poems (Hardcover)

by Langston Hughes (Author), Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Originally published in 1932, this edition of Hughes's vibrant poems includes seven additional poems and is enhanced by dynamic scratchboard art. All ages.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

From Booklist
Gr. 4-12. Hughes' classic poetry collection, originally published for young people in 1932, is reissued here in a handsome new edition. It includes seven additional poems, a fine introduction by Lee Bennett Hopkins, and a personal afterword by Augusta Baker. Black-and-white scratchboard illustrations in Pinkney's signature style express the emotion and beat of the poetry, the laughter that hides pain, the celebration and the struggle of the African American experience, and the music of the weary blues. The poems are as powerful today as they were 60 years ago, colloquial and direct yet mysterious and complex. The simplicity of these lines makes them accessible to middle-graders but doesn't detract from their appeal to older readers. As Hopkins says, "Poem: I loved my friend" has become an elegy for separation and loss. History and the most private feeling "mingle themselves softly" in the voices that "cross and recross" here. Demanding to be spoken aloud, the words sing for all of us. There's no better way to show kids that poetry is about them than to share this collection. Hazel Rochman

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers (November 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067984421X
• ISBN-13: 978-0679844211
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #154,838 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Langston Hughes for Children, April 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems (Paperback)

The Dream Keeper and Other Poems is essential for anybody trying to share the beauty of Langston Hughes with children. The poems in this collection rank among Hughes' finest. Pinkney's illustrations compliment the imagery of the poetry wonderfully. Children and adults will become true Langston Hughes fans after reading this introductory book.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read, March 25, 2005

By	SEvans "tae" (everywhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems (Paperback)

The Dream Keepers and other poems is a book that you must read. Langston Hughes puts you through so many different moods during this book. The poems reach out to you. I especially like the I,TOO poem. This poems speaks about progress, determination, and being focused. There is a poem for everyone to connect with. The illusrations by Brian Pinkney are black and white with a lot of curvy lines. There was a great of time put in each. The pictures assist in putting you in the mood of the poem. The only thing left to say is read the book!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Come Alive, April 8, 2004

By	Pamela Sloss (Union, SC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dream Keeper and Other Poems (Paperback)

Hughes' words come to life in this book of poetry. This collection, originally issued in 1932, is as powerful as it was seventy years ago. As an added bonus, there are seven new poems for the reader to enjoy. The struggle and celebration of the African-American experience is apparent here. Brian Pinkney's black-and-white scratchboard illustrations add life and expression to the poems. Hughes' classic collection is appealing and inspirational. This astonishingly wonderful set of poems is definitely a collection that would spark the interest of children learning about poetry. Hughes' gift of lively words live on!