As part of our homeschooling last week, I introduced my girls to writing poetry. At first, they asked why they had to learn about this, and write their own poems. But, then I shared a new picture book called A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS with them, and showed how Gwendolyn Brooks used her gift for words and writing poetry to become the first Black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize. We are studying Black History month this month in our homeschooling, and I am looking for fun and interesting ways to introduce important African American figures in history that usually aren't talked about or covered in school textbooks. And, I can say that without having read A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS before sharing with my girls, I would not have known about this amazing woman, and all her accomplishments.
I am so grateful for the author, Alice Faye Duncan, and Sterling Publishing, for sharing such an amazing picture book for kids, to introduce them to people like Gwendolyn, as we celebrate Black History Month and Women' History Month. I, for one, found this book to be very well written and loved how at the end of the book the author included a page detailing the life of Gwendolyn Brooks further, as well as a timeline of her life, and additional books to pick up to learn more about this fascinating woman, who truly was an amazing woman.
My girls really enjoyed this book, and after learning about Gwendolyn Brooks, they wanted to try their hand at writing poetry, and found themselves falling in love with the idea of putting words together to tell a story in rhyme. It has been awhile since I sat and wrote my own poetry, but I felt inspired after reading this book to my girls, and sat with them to write a poem, and then shared it with my girls, after they shared theirs. My girls know I write for my blog, but they had no idea I used to write poetry, and said that they wish they will be as good of a writer as Gwendolyn Brooks and I one day. I told them to keep at it, and continue to read and write to get better, and they can do anything they put their heart and mind to. Maybe they will join Gwendolyn Brooks one day in winning the Pulitzer Prize for their writing. Dream big my girls, and reach for the stars!
More about this book:
In A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS (January 2019), Alice Faye Duncan tells the story of the first African-American author to win the Pulitzer Prize. Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel.
This picture book biography features a handful of Brooks' own poems interspersed with original verse from Duncan. With Black History Month and Women’s History Month coming up, we wanted to be sure to bring this title to your attention!
"“The combination of biography and Brooks' own poems makes for a strong, useful, and beautiful text . . . A solid introduction to a brilliant writer”—Kirkus.
Acclaimed writer Alice Faye Duncan tells the story of poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize.
SING a song for Gwendolyn Brooks.
Sing it loud—a Chicago blues.
With a voice both wise and witty, Gwendolyn Brooks crafted poems that captured the urban Black experience and the role of women in society. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago, reading and writing constantly from a young age, her talent lovingly nurtured by her parents. Brooks ultimately published 20 books of poetry, two autobiographies, and one novel. Alice Faye Duncan has created her own song to celebrate Gwendolyn’s life and work, illuminating the tireless struggle of revision and the sweet reward of success."
Pub Date: 1/1/2019
ISBN: 9781454930884
Price: $16.95 / $22.95 CAN
Format: Hardcover Picture Book
Pages: 48 pages, all in color
Trim: 8.5 x 10.875 Inches
Territories: World
Category: Juvenile / Biography
Age Range: 5 and up
---
About the Author:
Alice Faye Duncan’s books include Honey Baby Sugar Child, Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop, and The Twelve Days of Christmas in Tennessee. She serves as a school librarian in her hometown of Memphis. Visit her at alicefayeduncan.com.
About the Illustrator:
Xia Gordon graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Cartooning & Illustration. Her comic Kindling was published by 2dcloud in early 2017 and she has worked with clients such as The New York Times, BuzzFeed, Lenny Letter, and Narratively. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. Visit her at xiagordon.com.
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
No comments :
Post a Comment