Illustrated poems by Eloise Greenfield, Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes and others explore and celebrate family ties in black families, and teach the joy of belonging and the value of mutual respect.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Using works by Lucille Clifton, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes and other African American poets, this determinedly upbeat collection focuses on happy childhood experiences-getting hugs and kisses, going on family outings and saying a tender good night. The poems selected are rarely representative of the poets' best writing; moreover, they tend to stereotype pretty little girls and big strong boys. The larger problem, however, is that in "celebrating the African American experience," the editors try to be both inclusive and exclusive at the same time. Little here suggests either the uniqueness or the variety of black culture; conversely, the Stricklands' own initial poem extolling "all kinds of families" and poems that applaud children of "every color skin" seem at odds with the uniformly black faces Ward depicts in his acrylic paintings. But even though the focus is blurred, many teachers and parents will welcome the volume for its use of an African American cast in paying tribute to middle-class family values. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-A fine collection of 23 poems that feature African-American families. Youngsters' voices come through vibrantly in these traditional and contemporary works that express the joy, sorrow, and excitement of childhood. Gwendolyn Brooks's "Andre" is about a boy who dreams of having to choose new parents; Eloise Greenfield's "Missing Mama" poignantly expresses a child's sorrow at the death of his mother; and Lindamichellebaron's "Hugs and Kisses" is a delightful selection about a boy's hidden approval of his mother's affection for him. Other poems are by Arnold Adoff, Lucille Clifton, Nikki Grimes, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Naomi F. Faust, Julia Fields, and E. Alma Flagg. Black characters are depicted in the attractive acrylic illustrations, and some poems express themes directly related to African-American culture; however, the verses represent and impart universal feelings and moments, making this a book to be shared and enjoyed by all children.
Barbara Osborne Williams, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Barbara Osborne Williams, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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This review is from: Families: Poems Celebrating the African American Experience (Hardcover)
Glad to find a book displaying African American poetry. Great gift idea for a local library.
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This review is from: Families: Poems Celebrating the African American Experience (Hardcover)
This book was purchased by my 3rd grade students to be placed in our library in memory of my co-workers mother who died recently. It is a beautiful book. She was very touched by the gester and very pleased with the content and illustrations in the book.
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