Poetry Friday: The Blacker the Berry

Title:  The Blacker the Berry 

Author:  Joyce Carol Thomas 

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper 

Target Ages:  3 and up 

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators, Coretta Scott King Award for Authors (nominated), ALA Notable Children’s Book 

Genre:  Poetry Picture Book 

Publisher Summary: 
Black is dazzling and distinctive, like toasted wheat berry bread; snowberries in the fall; rich, red cranberries; and the bronzed last leaves of summer. In this lyrical and luminous collection, Coretta Scott King honorees Joyce Carol Thomas and Floyd Cooper celebrate these many shades of black beautifully. 

Poem Samples: 
“What Shade Is Human?"
 At breakfast

I pour milk all over my bowl of berries

And Grandpa says,

“It's the milk of kindness

that makes us human.”

“Yes, Papa," I answer,

and he continues:

"White milk

Chocolate milk

Sweet milk

Mother’s milk.”

I nod between bites of berries

because

My mother long ago

When she nursed me my first milk

Said, “You are beautiful,”

And I heard her.

“The Blacker the Berry"
 “The blacker the berry

the sweeter the juice.”

I am midnight and berries

I call the silver stars at dusk

By moonrise they appear

And we turn berries into nectar

Because I am dark the moon and stars

shine brighter

Because berries are dark the juice is sweeter

Day couldn’t dawn without the night

Colors, without black, couldn’t sparkle

quite as bright

“The blacker the berry

the sweeter the juice”

I am midnight and berries 

Evaluation:  
The poems have a couple significant connections.  

First, the berry metaphor is used throughout in creative and poignant ways.   For instance, one speaker is her “great-grandma’s raspberry color,” her “grandma’s blackberry cheeks,” and her “mama’s mulberry mouth.”  Another child refers to himself as “raspberry black” because he is part Native Indian and part African American.  Each use of color—shades of dark—reflects the child’s heritage and instills confidence.

Second, the poems reflect the diversity within the African-American community.  Colors range from deep black like coffee berries to “light as snowberries in fall.”  Many of the children are mixed race.  Each child recognizes his or her uniqueness and beauty.   

Finally,  the poems instill pride in children (and adults) of color.  In “Snowberries,” the child  speaker wants to be “black as midnight” so she isn’t made fun of for her “snowy skin.”  She comes to realized that if she bleeds “the one drop of blood” she is just as “Black” as a dark skinned person.  Another child declares she “feels absolutely fabulous to be this brown.”  In the final poem, it says: “Each color is rich in its own right/We come in all shades.”

Floyd Cooper’s illustrations enrich the diversity, beauty, and pride that exude from each poem.  Each two-page spread shows the sparkle, radiance, and musing of the children as they contemplate their heritage and individuality.  

The Blacker the Berry is a stunning collection of poems and art.  

This post is part of the Poetry Friday link up hosted by My Juicy Little Universe.

 

Finding Langston (Lesa Cline-Ransome)

Title:  Finding Langston, A Novel

Author:  Lesa Cline-Ransome

Target Ages:  9-13

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Awards:  Coretta Scott King Honor Book, 2019 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction,  Junior Library Guild selection

Publisher Summary: 

When eleven-year-old Langston’s mother died in 1946, he and his father move from Alabama to Chicago’s Bronzeville.  Langston must leave behind everything he cherishes:  family, friends, Grandma’s Sunday suppers, even the magnolia trees Mama loved so much.  The northern city is noisy and hectic, and their kitchenette apartment is just a lonely room with old newspapers covering up holes.  At school Langston is tormented for being too country.  But his new home has something his old one did not:  unlike the whites-only library back home, the George Cleveland Hall Library welcomes everyone.  There, hiding out after school, Langston discovers another Langston, a poet whose words are powerful.  In one of his poems lies a secret that will bring Langston closer to his mother’s spirit. 

First Lines:

“Never really thought much about Alabama’s red dirt roads, but now, all I can think about is kicking up their dust.  I miss the hot sun on the back of my neck and how now the racket of cicadas, seems like not sound at all.” 

Memorable Moment:

“I get to thinking how much I didn’t know about my Daddy when we lived in Alabama.  With Mama there, he barely spoke to me, and I didn’t know what to say to him.  But now, with just us two in Chicago, I know Daddy better than I ever hoped to” (103).

Evaluation:

Finding Langston would fit well into a middle grade classroom.  The post-World War II setting focuses on black Americans who are a part of the Great Migration.  People at different places in the process from second generation to newly arrived illustrate the successes and struggles. 

The influence of Harlem Renaissance, especially its poetry, is shown as the renewed pride in black culture and literature impacts the protagonist, Langston.  As he discovers the connection of his name to the beloved poet Langston Hughes and his mother’s secret passion, the protagonist begins to understand himself, his mother, and his heritage on a deeper level.

The story and characters connect well with middle grade readers.  Short chapters, well-paced plot, and relatable experiences will keep them turning the pages. 

Langston deals with many common middle grade trials.  He experiences loss—both of his mother (and another dear relative) as well as his home when he moves away.  These situations make him feel lonely and isolated.  As the new kid, he tries to fit in, but instead he is mercilessly bullied.  Langston struggles in his relationship with his father, who is a good man dealing with his own loss and trying to make a better life for his son.

Langston learns to see people in a more multi-faceted way.  He is willing to re-examine his initial impressions, allowing him to come to appreciate others.  In addition, he finds positive ways to cope with his loss and loneliness, which helps him make friends with others and become more connected to his new community.

I highly recommend Finding Langston for middle grade teachers and readers.

Historical Connections:

Great Migration

Harlem Renaissance

Langston Hughes Poetry

For other great middle grade book suggestions, visit Always in the Middle for the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday Round Up.

Princess Truly (Kelly Greenawalt)

I am excited to share the Princess Truly book duo!  Author Kelly Greenawalt and illustrator Amariah Rauscher created this character and these books because they want their daughters to see themselves as “strong, smart, problem-solving, confident” people. 

Princess Truly in I am Truly

Princess Truly, a celebration of the modern girl, imagines herself as a treasure-hunter, engineer, sailor, and astronaut—all while wearing a purple tutu and pigtails.  Full of spunk and imagination, she pretends to a be a superhero, a rock star, and a dinosaur trainer. 

The snappy, rhyming text exudes confidence and strength.  She declares…

I am strong.

I am skillful,

I am a born leader.

I can do anything

I set my mind to do.

Do you know that you

can do all these things, too?

You are Truly Fabulous!

Princess Truly in My Magical Sparkling Curls

In this second terrific picture book, Truly celebrates her “fluffy, puffy, curls.”  As she believes in herself, “they shimmer and they shine.”  Truly imagines playing with dinosaurs as well as exploring ancient pyramids, the deep sea, and outer space. 

Like the debut title, each scene and experience empowers Truly to see herself competent and confident. 

The Princess Truly books are ideal for young girls ages 2-7. African-American girls will be encouraged to take pride in their hair and their identity. All young girls will be drawn to her imaginative and energetic personality.  

For Truly coloring sheets, click HERE.

For more books celebrating African American hair, click HERE.

Stella by Starlight (Sharon M. Draper)

Title:  Stella by Starlight

Author: Sharon M. Draper

Target Ages:  8-12

Genre:  Middle Grade Historical Fiction

Publisher Summary:

Stella lives in the segregated south—in Bumblebee, North Carolina, to be exact about it.  Some stores she can go into.  Some stores she can’t.  Some folks are right pleasant.  Others are a lot less.  To Stella, it sort of evens out, and heck, the Klan hasn’t bothered them for years.  But one late night, later than she should ever be up, much less wandering around outside, Stella and her little brother see something that they’re never supposed to see, something that is the first flicker of change to come, change not welcome by any stretch of the imagination.  As Stella’s community—her world—is upended, she decides to fight fire with fire, and learns that ashes don’t necessarily signify the end…

First Lines:

Nine robed figures dressed all in white.  Heads covered with softly pointed hoods.  Against the black of night, a single wooden cross blazed.  Reflections of peppery-red flames shimmered across the otherwise dark surface of Kilkenny Pond.

Two children, crouched behind the low-handing branches of a hulking oak tree on the other side of the pond, watched the flickers of scarlet in the distance in fearful silence.  Dressed only in nightshirts, Stella Mills and her broker Jojo shivered in the midnight October chill.

Evaluation: 

I am writing this review months after I finished the novel, so it is not fresh in my mind.  However, I want to share some of my thoughts and impressions of the book.  

Coming from my perspective as an English teacher, I especially enjoyed the protagonist's struggle with writing. It borders on cliché that so many protagonists are inspired or gifted writers.  Unfortunately, it gives young and old the impression that writing is a inborn gift—some have it, and some don’t.  Stella has good ideas.  Like most people, though, she has difficulty expressing them.  Nevertheless, she finds a quiet place to practice her writing.  Stella does not just wait for a school assignment.  Instead, she writes about what is going on in her life and town to help her improve her school writing.

Readers get a glimpse as she writes, struggles, and revises.  For instance, early in the narrative, she tries to write for a school assignment.  Nothing is coming to her.  Stella makes a decision, “If she [is] gonna really write with honesty she ought to start, like Mrs. Grayson said, with herself.”  It takes her five tries, but she finally succeeds.

Stella uses writing as a way to cope with difficulties.  Spoon Man for instance encourages her to “Trust the words.  Maybe that image will fade.”  She takes his advice and writes about that night she saw the KKK bonfire as well as her observations about racism, which is cathartic for her.

The writing struggle is valuable for middle grade readers to see.  They need to realize writing does not come naturally or easily for most people.  However with practice and determination, their skills can improve dramatically.

The novel depicts a strong sense of community and family.  For instance, when the Spoon Man arrives in town, everyone comes together for a potluck.  Later, when a family’s house is on fire, dozens of people rush to help put it out.  More importantly, neighbors give the family a place to stay and help them rebuild. 

There are some deeper, more serious issues as well.  The most prominent is the racism of the historical era.  As previously noted, Stella witnesses a Klan rally.  Later, she travels with her father to register to vote, where they are met with hostile resistance.  Afterwards, the Klan burns down a family’s home.  When her mother is bit by a poisonous snake, the town’s white doctor refuses to help her.  The evil actions that come out of racism are illustrate in a genuine way while being age-appropriate in detail.

Even though racism is an underlying issue from beginning to end, the narrative stays hopeful.  There are kind white people who do work together with the African American community.  Her teacher tells inspiring stories that instill strength and pride—even in racist and difficult times.  Stella (and others) empower themselves through education, self-discipline, and good character—which are the pillars of making personal and social change. 

The only aspect of the novel that I felt did not ring 100% authentic is the ending.  Stella ends up saving the daughter of the racist and cruel town doctor.   The positive aspect is the daughter is not racist like her father, which is hinted at in other parts of the novel as well. Nevertheless, it seemed too “neat” to have her drowning with Stella walking by right after Stella's mother is refused medical care by the girl's father.

Overall, I found the characterization and the storytelling engaging. I highly recommend Stella by Starlight for middle grade readers.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Writing:  Model for students or children the writing process.  Let them see you free writing and then going back to revise.  Then, encourage them to do the same.  Praise them for the improvements and effort more than the initial draft.
• History:  Include this novel in a study of 1930’s, segregation, and/or Jim Crow laws.
• Research and Analysis:  Pull in one or more non-fiction texts that describe one of the historical aspects depicted in the novel.  (Older students can do their own research.)  Compare and contrast the non-fiction with the fiction for authenticity. 
• Figurative Language:  Hyperbole and tall tales are used.  Discuss each one and their overall significance in the storytelling/culture.

Historical Connections:

Civil Rights

African American Voter Registration

Segregation

Klu Klux Klan
Presidential Election 1932

Always in the Middle

The Way a Door Closes (Hope Anita Smith )

Title:  The Way a Door Closes

Author:  Hope Anita Smith 

Illustrator:  Shane W. Evans

Target Ages:  8-12

Genre:  Poetry Narrative Picture Book Format

Publisher Summary: With a click, a bang, a whisper—or no noise at all.  There are so many ways that a door can close, but it’s not just the closing; it's the knowing.  And thirteen-year-old C.J. knows too much—about disappearing father, his family’s pain, and especially about what it means to hold things together when times are tough. 

Sample Poem:

“The Way a Door Closes”

When Grandmomma comes through a door

it closes quietly.

It is whispered shut

by the breath of God—

who acts as a doorman for

one of His good and faithful servants.

When my brother and I

go out the door,

it closes like a clap of thunder.

We are always in a hurry

to be somewhere.

My little sister closes the door

just so.

As if there were a prize for

getting it right.

My momma likes doors open.

It's her way of inviting the world in.

But last night

Daddy said,

“I’m going out,”

and he stood buttoning his coat

just so.

As if there were a prize for

getting it right. 

Then he looked at each of us

 a moment too long.

And when he went out the door

he held on to the knob.

The door closed with a

click.

I felt all the air leave the room

and we were vacuum-sealed inside.

I shook it off.

I told myself it was nothing

but

somewhere deep inside

I knew better.

I can tell a lot by

the way a door closes.

Evaluation: 

The poet uses startling and profound imagery to convey a wide-range of emotion and experience, all in just 34 poems. Each one centers around 12 year old C.J.’s family experience.  They read like journal entries, giving snapshots of what is going on and what he is feeling at each moment of time.  The early poems depict a strong, close family—at least by all appearances.

Then, the cracks begin to show when his father loses his job and struggles to find a new one.  The protagonist’s conflicting emotions about his father come out when he says, “He gives me words, each one a gem, words I wish someone had given him.”  At this point, no definite reason is give for this passive aggressive hostility. 

The next poem entry, which discusses various fears and pain, reveals C.J. is praying for his dad to get another job.  As time goes on and “each day bring nothing,” the tension thickens to the point the father leaves the family. 

C.J. does what he can to hold it together for his family and his own well being.  He struggles with feeling jaded.  On his birthday, he refuses to make a wish because he knows “how much it hurts when wishes don’t come true.”  On the other hand, he tells his friend, “My dad is coming back.”  When his friend says, “that only happens one in a blue moon,” C.J. responses with “but it happens.”   He feels angry, hurt, lost, and broken.  Despite all of it,  he holds on to hope.  C.J. desperately wants his family back together. 

The poems aptly illustrate the loss and pain that comes from a broken home in a realistic way as well as the facets of dealing with it—within the individual, the family, and the community.  This picture book is ideal for the elementary and middle school classroom because it is concise, yet powerful.  Many children and tweens will be able to relate to the experience and feel solace that they are not alone.

I highly recommend The Way a Door Closes as a profound look at the modern family in crisis.

There is also a sequel, Keeping the Night Watch, which I hope to read soon.

Poetry Friday is being hosted by Reading to the Core today.

Best New Picture Books for Bedtime

I love a good bedtime story.  There are so many classic favorites.  Here is a list of more recently published picture books, perfect for little ones—birth to however long your kids (or grandkids) will allow you to read to them.

Chengdu Could Not, Would Not Fall Asleep

Barney Saltzberg, author & illustrator

Everyone is asleep in the bamboo grove, except Chengdu.  He tosses, turns, and twitches, but he just cannot get into the a comfortable enough position to drift off.  Then he tries rolling and hanging.  Still, wide-awake.  Chengdu finally finds a solution…unfortunately, it has unintended consequences.  If your little ones love panda bears (like me), they won’t be able to resist this bedtime book. 

Bedtime for Yeti

Vin Vogel, author & illustrator

Yeti and his stuffed friend do everything together—swing, snack, play.  They look forward to snuggling together at bedtime.  When his friend goes missing, Yeti looks everywhere for him.   He ends up having to go to bed without him, but he is afraid of the shadows and noises.  A flash of lightening from a thunderstorm illuminates his room. Yeti spies his friend surrounded by danger.  Yeti must find the courage to save him.  It is a delightful story for children with bedtime fears and stuff-animal dependence.

Good Night, Bunny

Lauren Thompson, author

Stephanie Yue, illustrator

In this soothing and endearing bedtime story, Bunny says good night to his world—the flowers, the insects, the birds, and other creatures.  Rhythmic lines like “Good night, sun and bright red sky.  Good night, swallows swooping by” help lull little ones to sleep. The stunning watercolor illustrations help create a perfect nighttime read. 

Monster Trouble!

Lane Fredrickson, author

Michael Robertson, illustrator

Winifred Schnitzel is not afraid of anything—not pirates, not scary movies, and not even monsters.  At bedtime, though, the neighborhood monsters will not leave her alone so she could sleep.  She tries all sorts of clever ways to keep them at bay, but they keep coming back…until she finally discovers their one silly weakness!  This imaginative story takes the idea of keeping away the monsters to a whole new level! 

Go Sleep in Your Own Bed!

Candace Fleming, author

Lori Nichols, illustrator

It is bedtime on the farm—but many of the animals have fallen asleep in the wrong spot!  Pig toddles to his sty. When he plops down, he hears a “moooo!” Who could that be?  Cow!  Pig tells her, “Go Sleep in your own bed!”  Cow tromps to her stall, but she hears a loud “bwaaaak!” It’s chicken. The story follows the same predictable repetitive pattern until all the animals have settled in the correct beds.  The sound clues encourage listeners to guess who is in the wrong bed each time.  Go Sleep in Your Own Bed! is a comical, interactive bedtime narrative..

I Just Want to Say Good Night

Rachel Isadora, author & illustrator

The day is coming to a close.  The moon is out.  Lala is not ready to go to sleep though.  With a stunning African village backdrop, the young girl visits the nearby animals—cat, goat, monkey, bird—to tell them “good night.”  Grasping for a way to stay awake, she wishes the ants, the rocks, and even her book a “good night.” The vivid pictures and increasingly soothing colors, make for a lovely diverse reading experience that illustrates a universal nighttime ritual.  The story ends with a sweet tribute to Margaret Wise Brown’s Good Night Moon.

Touch the Brightest Star

Christie Matheson, author & illustrator

Children are invited to help make the “magic” of the night happen.  They press on the firefly to help him glow, blow a quiet breeze, pat the deer, make a wish on a star, and much more.  The simple text and illustrations introduce listeners to the sights and sounds of the night while lulling them off to sleep.  The winning interactive text makes this story stand out from the pack. 

My Tail’s Not Tired!

Jana Novotny Hunter, author

Paula Bowles, illustrator

Little Monster can’t go to bed—his knees aren’t tired yet, or his bottom, or is tail.  He is full of wiggles, swings, and boings!  Big Monster helps Little Monster get out all his left over energy and, finally, drift off to sleep.  This one is perfect for the rambunctious child who needs help settling down. 

The Big Bed

Bunmi Laditan, author

Tom Knight, illustrator

Reluctant to sleep in her own bed, the smart and witty protagonists attempts to convince her parents she needs to sleep in their big bed—but, only with mommy.  She anticipates their objections and refutes each one (including the peeing the bed issue).  The argument ends with an “ideal” solution for where daddy will sleep. Full of humor and spunk, this story is sure to make kids and adults laugh.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Car

Kate Dopirak, author

Mary Peterson, illustrator

It’s bedtime, but little car wants to drive instead.  Using the rhythmic tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” he travels around town wishing the other cars and trucks goodnight.  Finally feeling tired out, he returns home so his beep-beep dreams can start.  It is the perfect story for car and truck enthusiasts. 

Here are reviews for a couple other recent bedtime stories... 

Nothing Can Frighten a Bear 

Where, Oh Where, Is Baby Bear?

Other Stories to Check Out

Good Day, Good Night

Don’t Blink

George in the Dark

The Too-Scary Story

If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed

In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall (Javaka Steptoe)

Title:  In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers

Author:  Multiple

Illustrator:  Javaka Steptoe

Target Ages:  3-10

Genre:  Poetry Anthology

Publisher Summary: In Daddy’s Arms I am Tall is a tribute to the influence that Black fathers have on their sons, daughters, and grandchildren.  In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers—who range in age from their 20’s to their 50’s—fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.

Poem Selection:

in daddy’s arms i am tall

& close to the sun and warm

in daddy’s arms

in daddy’s arms

i can see over the fence out back

i can touch the bottom leaves of the big magnolia tree

in Cousin Sukie’s yard

in daddy’s arms 

in daddy’s arms the moon is close

closer at night time when i can almost touch it

when it grins back at me from the wide twinkling skies

in daddy’s arms i am tall

taller than Benny & my friends Ade  & George

taller than Uncle Bill

& best of all

i am eye-ball-even-steven with my big brother Jamal

in daddy’s arms

i am strong & dark like him & laughing

happier than the circus clowns

with red painted grins

when daddy spins me round and round

& the whole world is crazy upside down

I am big and strong & proud like him

in daddy’s arms

my daddy

              --Folami Abiade

Evaluation: 

I was drawn to this collection because it is a celebration of men as husbands, fathers, providers, and workers.  These roles are so vital and precious to children and to our communities. 

The poems are from diverse perspectives, such as a youngster needing assurance he is still loved after disobeying, a daughter remembering her father’s strong and loving hands, and an adult child reminiscing about his father’s drawing with him.

Men are depicted as leaders—strong, compassionate, present, active.  Others, like a grandfather acting as father, step up when they are needed.  

Javaka Steptoe’s mix media illustrations are bold and stirring.

In Daddy’s Arms I am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers is an all-around beautiful poetry collection for children (and adults)

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

Teacher’s Guide

Visit My Juicy Little Universe for Poetry Friday.