Langston Hughes: American Poet (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Catherine Deeter (Illustrator) "LANGSTON'S FATHER talked and talked, telling them they should stay in Mexico City with him..." (more)
Key Phrases: Susanna Jones, New York, Sheridan Leary (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grades 2-5--This text originally published in 1974 is accompanied by new, colorful paintings. In clear but at times dry prose, the author reveals the many influences that led Hughes to become who he was. He was raised by a loving grandmother and by a mother who had difficulty finding jobs. He dealt with loneliness, racism, and a distant father who, he realized, hated his own people-black Americans-as well as Native Americans. The artwork is rendered in lovely, inviting hues and softens the misery the narrative describes. For example, a depiction of young Langston meeting his estranged, bitter father shows the elder Hughes in a much warmer light than the wording might indicate. The new edition is larger in format than the older one and has a more modern picture-book feel, as well as an author's note. Two of Hughes's poems are included: "When Susanna Jones Wears Red" and "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." Walker's version balances Floyd Cooper's Coming Home (Philomel, 1994) by delving more into Hughes's adult life. An acceptable choice for poetry units and Black History Month.

Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. Walker's picture-book-size biography Langston Hughes: American Poet, first published in 1974, returns to print with lively new artwork. It is an excellent introduction to Hughes, focusing mainly on his adolescence and early adulthood. The text is romanticized in places, but the engaging, anecdotal style is perfect for read-alouds, and the brief sentences and simple vocabulary make the book a good choice for beginning and struggling readers. Deeter's realistic paintings capture the text's pivotal moments. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Amistad; First Edition edition (December 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060215186
• ISBN-13: 978-0060215187
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #741,878 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American poet, June 8, 2005

By	Enrique Torres "Rico" (San Diegotitlan, Califas) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is a very touching book for both children and adults alike. The portrait of America in another era is accurate and informative for young minds to understand how things were once upon a time. The biographical sketch relays the influnces early on in Langston Hughes life which shaped him to become one of the great poets of the twentieth century, in spite of racism. His father lived in Mexico and had a disregard for black people who seperated himself to the extent of living in Mexico. Although he(Langston's father) did well for himself in Mexico he did not support his son. The major exception was sending him regretfully to Columbia University which Langston eventually dropped out of much to his fathers displeasure. Hughes felt isolated and much more relaxed in nearby Harlem. Langston Hughes was a man of letters that he inherited from the story telling his grandmother told him. His love for his culture translated into many books of poetry. Alice Walker is the writer of this children's book and the author of "The Color Purple," and was tremendously influenced by Hughes himself who she met as a college student. The illustrations are pretty realistic and further document the story. The book is easy enough for youngsters and may also be good material for middle school readers who have not yet achieved grade level profiency. It is an inspirational story that may get a youngster motivated to write or read further.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent picturebook biography, February 4, 2002

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Catherine Deeter's paintings accompany this celebration of poet Langston Hughes' life, which reads like fiction as it surveys the influences on Hughes' career and the motivations behind his writings and life. An excellent picturebook biography, this requires reading skills but will appeal to grades 2-4.