Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes

This selection of poetry by Langston Hughes has the added value of an introduction to the poet, notes for the poems, and collage and watercolor illustrations. An inviting introduction to the poet and companion to other books about him.

Grades 4 -8

Bessie Smith and the Night Riders by Sue Stauffacher

Based on a real incident that happened near Concord, N.C., this story about Bessie Smith will fit well into the 8th grade social studies curriculum as a picture book for older readers. In 1927 Bessie Smith was touring the country by rail. She was performing in a tent outside of Concord when night riders from the Klan showed up and tried to scare her off. She "cussed" them and refused to leave, so they gave up and left her alone. The author embelishes the facts a bit, using a young girl who admires Bessie's singing as the main character and adding some dramatic fictional events around the edges of the true story. Bright, swirling, colorful illustrations will also attract readers.

5,000 Miles to Freedom : Ellen and William Craft's Flight from Slavery by Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin

The remarkable story of William and Ellen Craft's daring escape from slavery comes alive in this exciting account of their lives and adventures. Ellen Craft's father was her white master and she could "pass" for white. She dressed as a Southern gentleman while her husband William posed as her slave. Together they made their perilous way to the North and then to England, returning to the United States only after the Civil War was over. The Fradins succeed in conveying the fear the Crafts felt and the danger they were in during the journey north. The book also gives a good description of their lives once they lived on free soil. Always in danger of being captured by slave hunters who were sanctioned by the Fugitive Slave Acts, these brave souls traveled and lectured extensively about slavery and its evils. There is dialogue in the book which is taken directly from their own book about their escape. Also included are period photographs, drawings and engravings, and actual newspaper accounts about the Crafts. Well-researched and well written, this book belongs in every middle school collection. It correlates well with the 8th grade social studies curriculum and is perfect for Black history studies. An ALA Notable Book.

Hush, Little Baby, by Brian Pinkney

The illustrator places the familiar Southern Appalachian lullaby in the context of an African American family in the early 1900s with Papa left to watch the children. The verses have been changed slightly and they swirl across the bright pages along with the loving illustrations of father and children. I've shared this with kindergarteners who begged to sing it again and to check it out.

PreK-1

George Crum and the Saratoga Chip, by Gaylia Taylor.

Illus. by Frank Morrison.

Part Native American and part African American, George Crum lived at a time when it was difficult for people of color to be taken seriously in school or the workplace. His skills at preparing the fresh fish and game he catches lands him a job in a fancy restaurant where his sister is a waitress. Easily frustrated by the wealthy, fussy customers, one day George responds to a complaint that his french fries are too thick by slicing them very thinly. Soon everyone wants his "Saratoga chips." An author's note situates the story within the known and debated facts. The illustrations are lively and expressive. This would be a fun addition to units on inventors or food.

Grades 1-5

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

Great jazz poetry along with a history of jazz. The beat of the poems mimic jazz music and different instruments are highlighted by having their own poems. The introduction gives a history of jazz and a timeline of jazz does the same but in a more kid friendly format. There is also a glossary of jazz terms. The vivid illustrations are perfectly matched to the poetry.

I just finished Bud, Not Buddy with my fourth grade reading group and I can't wait to share these poems with them. One of the reading skills we are to focus on this month is inference and poetry is a great way to teach that skill in an interesting way.

I can see using this with grades 3-8.

Dizzy, by Jonah Winters

Credited with inventing "bebop," Dizzy Gillespie started out poor, with an abusive father, and in trouble for fighting. In a jazzy, poetic text, the author shows how his trumpet became an outlet for anger and trouble, and how Dizzy took fun and laughs and turned them into something new and creative. An author's note fills out the biography of this musical great.

Grades 2-5

Keep Climbing, Girls, by Beah E. Richards

A young girl climbs a tree in defiance of Miss Nettie, who hands on hips, tries demands, shame, and fear to bring her down. The message rings loud and clear for all girls, particularly girls of color, to climb higher, forge a path upward, and defy expectations. Besides it's such a great view from the tree top! R. Gregory Christie's angular and expressive swatches of color capture the spirit of this inspirational poem. Grab a girl or two and read this one aloud! An introduction provides background on the author, an actress featured in the documentary: Beah: A Black Woman Speaks.

All ages.