The Pioneers (Poetry from the Masters) [Paperback]

Wade Hudson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Poetry from the Masters

Surveying more than 200 years of poetic creativity in Black America, Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers introduces the work of early Black poets who helped to establish an African-American poetic tradition. Readers will explore the poetry of eleven talented women and men, including Phillis Wheatley, Francis Ellen Harper, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and Countee Cullen. Poems are complemented by a biography that discusses the scope and content of each writer's work, as well as his or her historical significance and impact on the literary world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up--This book is a welcome addition because it focuses on a particular group of black poets, "trailblazers" who forged a path by overcoming "almost impossible obstacles." Hudson puts these writers in perspective and provides a social and literary context. Eleven poets are profiled, starting with Phillis Wheatley and ending with Gwendolyn Brooks. All of these individuals carved out a literary niche for themselves that pointed the way for later black poets. Each writer is introduced with a brief biographical sketch that highlights his or her literary significance and contributions, followed by the full text of two or more poems. By providing several selections, the editor gives readers the opportunity to better appreciate each poet's style and themes. Sepia-toned portraits of the artists and scenes from selected poems appear throughout. This is an excellent resource for students seeking research materials or just looking for wonderful examples of poetry to read.--Carol Jones Collins, Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ
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Review

This book is a welcome addition because it focuses on a particular group of black poets, trailblazers who forged a path by overcoming almost impossible obstacles. Hudson puts these writers in perspective and provides a social and literary context. Eleven poets are profiled, starting with Phillis Wheatley and ending with Gwendolyn Brooks. All of these individuals carved out a literary niche for themselves that pointed the way for later black poets. Each writer is introduced with a brief biographical sketch that highlights his or her literary significance and contributions, followed by the full text of two or more poems. By providing several selections, the editor gives readers the opportunity to better appreciate each poet's style and themes. Sepia-toned portraits of the artists and scenes from selected poems appear throughout. This is an excellent resource for students seeking research materials or just looking for wonderful examples of poetry to read. --School Library Journal

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 88 pages
• Publisher: Just Us Books (December 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940975963
• ISBN-13: 978-0940975965
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,155,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Wade Hudson's career as a writer spans more than three decades. In 1988, Hudson's passion for writing and life-long mission to help foster positive self-image within the Black community, prompted he and his wife Cheryl to launch Just Us Books, the nation's leading independent publisher of Black-interest books for young people. Another imprint, Marimba Books, was launched in 2008, with a focus on multicultural literature for children and young adults.

An accomplished and award-winning author, he has written more than 25 books for young people including, AFRO-BETS Book of Black Heroes, Poetry from the Masters: The Pioneers and Jamal's Busy Day, Pass It On: African-American Poetry for Children, Powerful Words: More than 200 Years of Extraordinary Writing by African Americans and the Great Black Heroes series. His most recent titles include Its Church Going Time, Places I Love to Go, and Puddin, Jeffrey and Leah: Best Friends.

He is also very active in his community, serving on the board of the Isaiah House in East Orange, NJ and the Langston Hughes Library at the Alex Haley Farm, operated by the Children's Defense Fund. In 2004, he and his wife co-founded The Knowledge Is Power Project, a non-profit youth literacy organization dedicated to bringing children and books together. He is a Stephen Crane Literary Award recipient, was named a "Man of Valor" in Newark, NJ and was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. His literary affiliations include PEN America and the Authors' Guild.

Wade speaks to students across the country and conducts workshops for teachers and parents. He can be reached at [e-mail]. Web Site: www.justusbooks.com.