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.

Carlos and Carmen Early Reader Series

I just received set 1 of the Carlos and Carmen early reader series.  I was immediately impressed with the quality of the illustrations and the books’ durable construction.  Then, I read them.  I am officially a fan of this superb series! 

The Carlos and Carmen books are available in Spanish and English.  I read the English version.  However, Spanish words are sprinkled throughout which provides two learning opportunities. First, children are exposed to a second language.  With as many as 50 million people speaking Spanish in the United States, it is valuable for English-speaking children to be exposed early to common Spanish words. In addition, the foreign words allow children to practice using context clues.  They can figure out what the unknown word is by identifying clues in the text and by looking at the illustrations.  There is also a Spanish to English key at the back of each book. 

Each book is divided into five short chapters.  The text is written at a second to third grade reading level.  McDonald does not make the stories feel like a Basal or easy reader though.  She incorporates suspense, humor, and personality into each chapter. 

The series is family oriented.  The parents are active and present. When the twins are running around the backyard, the parents are looking on.  When their yard floods, the parents play in the water and mud with their children. When Carlos and Carmen are concerned about a noise in the night, their dad takes it seriously and investigates. The family sits down together at mealtimes.  Extended family members come over to help out or to spend time with the twins.  The Garcias are a warm and close family.

Author Kirsten McDonald has created multi-faceted young Latino protagonists who have qualities parents want their children to emulate.  They are kind, fun, inquisitive, respectful, and helpful.  They demonstrate a wide range of experiences from fear and boredom to enthusiasm and playfulness. 

Erika Meza’s illustrations are vivid and gorgeous.  The actions are lively, and the facial expressions are wide-ranging.  The best part is how the parents are represented.  They are shown working and parenting side by side.  Their expressions toward each other convey love, playfulness, and admiration.  The illustrations work in perfect harmony with the text.

I highly recommend the Carlos and Carmen series—in Spanish and in English—for public and elementary school libraries.   Parents and teachers should also consider adding these books to their classroom or home collection. 

There are currently 16 books in series.  I read the following four.  I have included the publisher’s summaries.

The One-Tire House

Carlos and Carmen get some unexpected news. They're moving to a new house. The new house is big, red, and has one tire. What! A house with one tire?! The twins worry and worry but soon discover a house with one tire can be fun.

The Nighttime Noise

Carlos and Carmen have a hard time falling asleep in separate rooms. Once they solve that problem, they're kept awake by a spooky noise. The twins get their mom and dad to help them solve the mystery of the noise, which turns out to be something not very scary at all.

The Big Rain

It's been raining and raining and raining. When the sun finally peeks out from behind the clouds, Carlos and Carmen find their entire backyard is one big puddle. But the twins don't mind once they discover it's not just a puddle of water--it's a puddle of fun!

The Green Surprise
Tío Alex is joining the Garcia family for a cookout, and he's bringing a surprise. A big green surprise. At first, Carlos and Carmen are disappointed in the lumpy green surprise. But with their mom's help and a few poles and stakes, the lump becomes a green surprise filled with fun. 

5 Fabulous African Fiction Picture Books

The Herd Boy

Niki Daly, author and illustrator

Malusi is a herd boy in a mountainous region of South Africa. He wakes up early each morning to watch and care for his family’s herd. Visited by his friend, Lungisa, they play and share dreams. Malusi wants to be president, but Lungisa thinks that it is funny to aspire to such a lofty goal. When a baboon threatens the flock, Malusi fights to save the endangered lamb. Later, he is visited by an old man who encourages him: “A boy who looks after his herd will make a very fine leader.” In his humble job, Malusi learns self-discipline, bravery, and compassion—all the qualities of a great leader.

Kele’s Secret

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

Catherine Stock, illustrator

Yoanes helps his grandmother by collecting the eggs laid around the farm—in the cluttered loft, in the barn, and, even, in the corner of the outhouse. One clever chicken though hides her eggs.  It is up to Yoanes to discover her secret place, but he will have to overcome his own fears in doing so! 

My Rows and Piles of Coins

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

E. B. Lewis, illustrator

Every week Saruni helps his mother sell their produce at the market, earning him a 10 cent coin. There are so many options to use his money for, but instead he carefully saves it week after week in order to earn enough money to buy a bike to help his family.  This beautiful story about self-discipline, perseverance, and selflessness transcends culture and continent.

Lake of the Big Snake: AnAfrican Rain Forest Adventure

Isaac Olaleye, author

Claudia Shepard, illustrator

Ade and Tayo are given instructions to do their chores and stay in the village. The mischievous boys though decide to cross the field and stream in search of fun and sweet berries.  Pulled by curiosity toward the mysterious waters of the river, the boys become cornered by a snake. They cleverly outsmart it and run back to safety of the village...while dreading the trouble they are in for disobeying.

Elsina’s Clouds

Jeanette Winter, author & illustrator
During the dry season, Elsina dreams of clouds and the rain they will bring.  In the tradition of her people,  her parents allow her to paint the walls of their house in hopes of her ancestors hearing her prayers. Every day she wakes up, waiting for an answer. She waits and waits…until finally, she sees black clouds and hears the roll of thunder.  With the rain comes new crops and healthy livestock that help her family survive. 

Cici: A Fairy’s Tale Series (Cori Doerrfeld & Tyler Page)

Cici: A Fairy’s Tale is an entertaining graphic novel series for early readers written by Cori Doerrfeld and Tyler Page.  The series is realistic fiction with a dash of magic and imagination. 

The series features a multi-faceted Latino protagonist and family. The young protagonist deals with many typical experiences like friendship struggles, family issues, and fitting in. The plots and characters are relatable for elementary children.  The graphic novel style and vocabulary are accessible, even for reluctant readers.

There are currently three books in the series. 

#1 Believe Your Eyes

Cici’s father moves out of their home and her abuela moves in as her tenth birthday approaches.  Her plans are turned upside-down when a popular classmate schedules a party on the same night as her birthday celebration.  If all that wasn’t challenge enough, Cici wakes up on the day of the party with fairy wings and the ability to see people in a new way! Fortunately, her abuela is there to help her figure out this magical change.  With her new abilities, Cici finds that navigating friendships and family is harder than she expected.

#2 Truth in Sight

Cici is learning to deal with her family’s new living situation—the weekdays with mom and weekends with dad.  Her younger sister is fussy, and her parents are frazzled.  Her classmate Kendra seems to have it all together—pretty, popular, and rich!  Cici acts out toward her “perfect” classmate, thinking it is all a joke. However, her actions have larger consequences than she anticipated.

#3 A Perfect View
Cici invites her new friend, Kendra, to go on her family’s annual camping trip.  Cici has everything planned for the “perfect” trip.  Cici struggles with a bad attitude when plans change—from bad weather and a campsite mix-up.  Her new magic powers have some unexpected results while in the woods as well.

African American Tall Tales

John Henry

Julius Lester, author

Jerry Pinkney, illustrator

Birds, bears, panthers, and even a unicorn come out of the woods when John Henry is born.  Within moments of his arrival, John jumps out of his mother’s arms and grows taller than the roof!  The next morning he gets up and chops an acre of trees down.  As John ventures out west, he single-handedly crushes gigantic boulders and digs through a mountain!  There are many versions of this tale, but Lester’s stands out for its humorous personification, colorful hyperbole, and engaging storytelling.

Roy Makes a Car

Mary E. Lyons, author

Terry Widener, illustrator

Roy Tyle has a way with automobiles.  People say he “can grease an axle faster than you can say 'carburetor,' and he can clean spark plugs just by looking at them hard." Roy believes there is a fatal flaw in the factory cars—they can get into accidents.  So, he takes his talents to the next level—building his own car. After spending an hour in his garage, he comes out with one that is “accident proof.” In test after test, his car avoids cars and trucks by sliding over or under them.  He doesn’t stop there though…he builds a another car that goes so far as to impress God, himself!

Big Jabe

Jerdine Nolen, author

Kadir Nelson, illustrator

From the moment Big Jabe shows up as a small boy floating in a basket down the river, he uses his extraordinary abilities to help the slaves on the Plenty Plantation.  When the fish aren’t biting, he commands them to jump from the river and into the wagon.  When works needs to be done, he is able to single-handedly complete it—allowing the others some much-deserved rest.  Even the plants and animals change in remarkable ways when he is present.  When slaves begin to disappear without a trace, some wonder if Jabe is the one rescuing them.

Thunder Rose

Jerdine Nolen, author
Kadir Nelson, illustrator

On a summer night during a fierce thunderstorm, a lively baby is born.  Rather than cry out while taking her first breath of life, she sits up and takes hold of the lightning and thunder.  Then, she tells her parents she is partial to the name Rose, so they call her Thunder Rose.  Full of spunk, determination, and confidence, Thunder Rose accomplishes everything she sets out to do.  She amazes her parents by drinking her milk while holding up a cow, creating objects with scrap metal, staking a fence without assistance, and building a sky scraper—all before the age of ten! These thrilling feats are just the beginning of her story!

Peggony-Po: A Whale of a Tale

Andrea Davis Pinkney, author
Brian Pinkney, illustrator

Feisty as a kettle of just-caught fish, Peggony-Po is able to climb a look out mast and catch whales on the high seas—all before the age of 4!  There is just one whale that eludes even that most skilled sailor’s grasp—Cetus!  Peggony-Po is determined to catch that whale—known for wrecking havoc for sailors and, even, land folk.  The young boy ventures off in search of Cetus without even bothering to take a boat!  This high seas adventures, full of astonishing acts and vivid similes, celebrates the many brave African American sailors who worked side by side as equals with white sailors on whaling ships in a time of great inequality.

Islandborn (Junot Diaz)

Title:  Islandborn

Author:  Junot Diaz

Illustrator:  Leo Espinosa

Target Ages:  4-9

Genre:  Realistic Fiction Picture Book

Publisher Summary: 

Every kid at Lola’s school was from somewhere else.  Hers was a school of faraway places.

So when Lola’s teacher asks the students to draw a picture of where their families emigrated from, all the kids are excited.  Except Lola.  She can’t remember the Island—she left when she was just a baby.  But with the help of her family and friends, and their memories—joyous, fantastical, heartbreaking, and frightening—Lola’s imagination takes her on an extraordinary journey back to the Island.  As she draws closer to the heart of her family’s story, Lola come to understand the truth of her abuela’s words:  “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”

First Lines:

Every kid at Lola’s school was from somewhere else. 

Hers was a school of faraway places.

Mai was from a city so big that it was like it’s own country.

India and Camila were from a stony village at the tippy top of the world.

Matteo had lived in a desert so hot even the cactus fainted.

Nu was bone in a jungle famous for it tigers and poets.

And Lola was from the Island.

Memorable Moment:

Lola opens her book of memories—“and out busts the Island.”

Evaluation:

Lola’s exploration of her heritage is rich in imagery and figurative language.  As members of her family and community share their memories, they blend with the imaginative.  Bats the size and shape of blankets soar above.  People dance in the city streets. Coconut plants become part of the barbershop landscape.  Each image and memory brings up feelings of joy and longing.  

The story does not shy away from the unpleasant though.  One neighbor reveals the dark side of their island experience: A monster took power that instilled terror in the people. He destroyed whole towns with a single word.  Eventually, people fought back and defeated him.  But for some, there are still scars in their hearts.  Then a hurricane destroyed her family’s community—prompting them to come to America.  Lola learns that with joy there is also a sorrowful side of her homeland.  

Through these conversations, Lola feels more connected to her homeland and community.  She is inspired to draw a variety of pictures blending the real with the fantastic and the beautiful with the ugly.  Author Junot Diaz multi-faceted view of life is memorable and moving.   

Leo Espinosa’s vibrant multi-media illustrations capture all the heart and imagination of the story.  Striking colors aptly depict this beautiful story of diversity and family pride.

Islandborn is a must read! 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Social Studies:  This story is perfect for starting a conversation or school project highlighting students’ lives.  It can be a simple one like bringing in “All About Me” pictures and information to more in-depth projects about family heritage. 
• Reading:  Use the story to discuss the different between reality and fantasy—both in the illustrations as well as the descriptive elements of the story.  Consider why Mr. Muir says a monster took over the island rather than an evil person/government.
• Language-Arts:  Identify examples of figurative language, like hyperbole, imagery, and simile.  Students can create their own examples and draw pictures of them.
• Geography:  Identify on a map the author’s home country of the Dominican Republic.  Read about this island nation.  Consider:  Do the descriptions of Lola’s island compare with what you learned about the Dominican Republic?
• Art:  Draw or paint an island that blends the real with imaginative. 
• Science:  Learn about hurricanes.  Compare hurricanes vs. tornados.

Five Fab Picture Books Celebrating Hair

I Love My Hair!

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, author

E. B. Lewis, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Every night before she goes to bed, Keyana sits down between her mother’s knees to have her hair combed. But no matter how gently Mama pulls, it sometimes still hurts!  Keyana doesn’t feel lucky to have such a head of hair, but Mama says she is because she can wear it any way she chooses…Soon Keyana, too, finds reasons to love her hair, and she wears it any way she chooses with pride.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of her hair (how difficult it can be to manage at times), the young protagonist finds freedom in the various ways she can style it.  Along the way, she discovers a renewed pride in her ethnic heritage.  The text includes many comparisons such as her braids to plants in a garden and her ponytails to a pair of wings, which adds to the creativity and beauty of this empowering story.

Princess Hair

Sharee Miller, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Princesses with curls wear pearls.

Princesses with head wraps take long naps

And princesses with teeny-weeny afros wear teeny-weeny bows.

Celebrate different hair shapes, textures, and styles in this self-affirming picture book!

Why It’s Fabulous:

No matter what style of hair a girl dons, she should feel confident in herself.  With its snappy text and animated illustrations, Princess Hair affirms that message.  The story also celebrates the various other ways young girls express themselves—singing, dancing, thinking, baking, playing, running, drawing, dressing up, and such.  This vibrant story celebrates all girls, with a special emphasis on the unique hairstyles of African-American girls. 

Bippity Bop Barbershop

Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, author

E. B. Lewis, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Early one Saturday morning, Miles and his father make a trip downtown for Miles first haircut at the barbershop.  As Miles nervously waits his turn, the other men in the shop encourage him to be brave.  But Miles isn’t sure how to be brave.  Will the clippers hurt? What if the barber cuts his ear?  Daddy comforts Miles and shares a little trick with him that helps to calm his fears.

Why It’s Fabulous:

The story works on multiple levels.  First, the narrative focuses on a boy’s rite of passage as he gets his first haircut at the barbershop.  The community of men is there to model and to encourage him in this meaningful early childhood event.  On another level, the story is one of a youngster feeling empowered to overcome his fear.  I love how his father is there to give him advice and to support him.  His father encourages him to imagine he is a giant or a superhero to help him feel brave.  The most memorable aspect of the book is the relationship between the father and son. To help him feel more confident, the young boy thinks about his father and his response to the situation. The boy is brave because he has seen his father be brave.   I love this story, which shows the immeasurable power and influence a father has on his children, especially his son. 

Nappy Hair

Carolivia Herron, author

Joe Cepeda, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Everybody at the backyard picnic is talking about little Brenda’s hair—it’s the nappiest, the curliest, the twistiest hair in the whole family.

Brenda, you sure do got some nappy hair on your head, don’t you?

Well.

It’s your hair, Brenda, take the cake.

Yep.

And come back and get the plate.

Don’t cha know.

While it seems that the family is poking fun at Brenda’s hair, in fact, they’re admiring it by uncovering its meaning, its strength, it African-ness. 

Why It’s Fabulous:

Brenda is surrounded by extended family and friends that encourage her to have pride in her heritage.  Rather than feeling like she has to style her hair a particular way, she learns to appreciate it for what it is in its natural form.  The simple call and response text makes it ideal for listener participation. The rhythmic text draws readers in until the very last line.  This exuberant celebration of natural African-American hair encourages children to be true to themselves.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

Derrick Barnes, author

Gordon C. James

Publisher Summary:

The barbershop is where the magic happens. Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads, and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty. That crisp yet subtle line makes boys sharper, more visible, more aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good: lesser grades turn into A’s; girls take notice; even a mother’s hug gets a little tighter. Everyone notices.

A fresh cut makes boys fly.

Why It’s Fabulous:
The barbershop is shown as place where young men “begin to care about how [they] present [themselves] to the world.”  The rich poetic language pulls you right in.  Metaphors like “lump of clay, a blank canvas, a slab or marble” add vividness and value to the experience. Being draped “like royalty” with a cape gives him the self-assurance of “Dark Caesar.”  His haircut, also, gives him confidence to do well in school—“to smash that geography exam” and “rearrange the entire principal’s honor roll.” Different haircuts, styles, and men are celebrated. As he sees others getting their hair cuts, he envisions one as a “CEO of a tech company” and another as if “he owns a few acres of land on Saturn.  Maybe there’s a river named after him on Mars.”  The narrator’s haircut makes him feel beautiful, like flowers and sunsets.  He compares his feeling to receiving “a bright red 97” on an English test. In the end as he tips the barber, he walks out he feels “Magnificent. Flawless. Like royalty.” The story ultimately illustrates “the beautiful, raw, smart, perceptive, assured humanity of black boys.”