Customer Reviews

The Negro Speaks of Rivers

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3 star:		(1)
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In this beautiful and uniquely captivating book, award-winning illustrator E. B. Lewis has provided a stunning visual interpretation of Langston Hughes's signature poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." Just as Hughes' poem signals that water has served as a source of life and sorrow in the lives of black people, the illustrator's note describes how water also has special meaning in his own upbringing and work. Embedded in the poem and illustrations are some important ideas in economics, including the role of natural resources (the rivers) and human resources (the labor of black people) in our history. Teachers and parents who are seeking different genres for teaching children about black history and economics concepts may want to try poetry, and The Negro Speaks of Rivers would make an excellent point of departure.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers was written by Langston when he was only 20. It shows a precociousness, if that word can be applied to a young man, and certainly an adept talent of expression if precociousness is inappropriate.

It is not a long poem, but it reads beautifully and is at a level of that elementary aged children can begin to appreciate the messages and themes.

I've known rivers
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow
of human blood in human veins
My soul has grown deep like the rivers

The poem then goes on to give a glimpse of life on the Euphrates and the Congo, the Nile and the mighty Mississippi.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young

These wonderful lines are given life by the illustrator E.B. Lewis. The richness of the colors, the vibrancy of images he has chosen to illustrate the text is just impossible to describe. I can't imagine any gallery would not be delighted to have them in their collection.

The combination then of art and text is just lush and makes the book an excellent choice for the home shelves. I happen to be a mom that reads a great many books to my children, and since those selections have always included poetry. I personally love to have both types of poetry books available for them. The first sort being compilations -- like Shel Silverstein. The second sort being illustrated books of classic poems -- like The Brook by Tennyson, and this one by Langston Huges.

Do consider this for purchase. At 7 and 9, some of the message is over my children's heads, but they will grow into it, and for now they can benefit from seeing the art and hearing the words.

Pam T.
mom and reviewer at BooksForKids-reviews

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was 18 years old when his mind was filled with the beauty and universality of rivers, and he wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."

For Black History Month it is a natural selection for many libraries. In 2009 it is especially appropriate for the library to be enjoyed by a new White House family. Also appropriate would be a new batch of books celebrating the 200th birthday of President Abraham Lincoln. That brings to mind the Lincoln Memorial which Barack Obama visited with his young daughters on the eve of his presidency - and the story of a young white child riding a bus to D.C. to experience Martin Luther King's March on Washington in 1963, now indelibly tied to the 2009 Inauguration. [[ASIN: 1585363243 Riding to Washington by Gwenyth Swain]]

Lewis, to whom the poem "became as personal as a prayer" has made evident through his sensitive paintings the fact that water is a powerful element in most lives. If rivers have impacted your life, as the Chemung & Susquehanna have mine, you will be moved by the colors and images that sing with these words of Langston Hughes. Orange-gold end papers blend with the cover of sunset on the Mississippi; other images are painted in equally moving tones.

Children listening to the Langston Hughes' poem and remembering later the vivid watercolors of E. B. Lewis, may learn more about this significant poet. (Be sure to add the title to your mental list of picture books no adult should miss reading). This is a beautiful book for sharing with children and young people, and for personal meditation.

(commentary-with-a-small-"c" by mcHaiku

Mr. Lewis, you have outdone yourself. I have always liked your work, and even got to meet you at a librarian's conference in Kentucky a few years ago. I thought then that you could not do any better than you already have, you were so impressive; but this book is incredible.
P.S. When you paint a picture of the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, let us know! :-)

I was introduced to "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" in a class for multicultural literature. I am a long time fan of Langston Hughes and feel that poetry should be introduced early and read often. The beauty of this book is that it can be addressed on several levels. A superb picture book! The age group of the class determines the depth of the discussion as the pictures are a perfect foil for the text. I purchased this book for my class for both instructional and free reading time.

Simple but special

This book has to be something so unique compare to many other books. The book talks about the African American culture but with so much different types of artwork. The book has poetry that has so much meaning to it. I found out that Langston Hughes was on 20 when he wrote this book but to me, the written was amazing. I couldn't help but to look at the illustration by E.B. Lewis and how amazing his paintings were. Every time I turn the page I couldn't help but to stare and examine all the details that was in the painting itself. The writing was so interesting because it was through many points of views and the importance of life.

Langston Hughes writes a poetic story and incorporates the meaning of water and relating it to Black history. A poem appropriate for young children to understand the significance and personal meaning of water. Besides the personal poem the illustrations are realistic and vibrant watercolor. The illustrations are well detailed and help tell the beautiful story

I bought this book not knowing that it was a pictorial.For those who enjoy beautiful photos to tell a story, this is for them. However, I expected more narrative. I gave three stars because of the breathtaking scenes.