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ericadeb's review against another edition
4.0
As a nonpoetry person, I really enjoyed this book. The story was intriguing and I loved the way the voice grew with the character. A really great time piece.
coffeechug's review against another edition
3.0
This is a short book of poetry, however loaded with so many powerful verses. What I value in quality poetry is that it is not the words that are written but the empty spaces that fill your brain with thought, ideas, and questions. Marilyn Nelson writes through the voice of a kid growing up during Civil Rights. I am amazed by how adults can speak a genuine voice of adolescence.
These are poems that need to be read slowly so that the reader can process the time period, the emotions, and how kids see the world. Through their eyes that are naive the world of serious conflict does not seem so massive, but still influential.
Reading this book has reignited by passion for reading other poetry. This would also be a great addition to a classroom that studies this time period.
These are poems that need to be read slowly so that the reader can process the time period, the emotions, and how kids see the world. Through their eyes that are naive the world of serious conflict does not seem so massive, but still influential.
Reading this book has reignited by passion for reading other poetry. This would also be a great addition to a classroom that studies this time period.
yapha's review against another edition
5.0
Acclaimed poet Marilyn Nelson looks back at the 1950s, a pivotal decade in her own life as well as that of the rest of the country, through a series of unrhymed sonnets. These follow her life story from the age of 4 to 14, as her father, one of the first African American career officers in the Air Force is transferred to a variety of different bases. The poems give a vivid look at life for a young girl growing up then, both as an African American and a daughter of often transferred officer. The poems are powerful and moving, and can stand alone as well as make a cohesive story together. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
stenaros's review against another edition
4.0
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I'm not so hot on the let's-tell-a-story-via-poems, but this above and beyond better than nearly all books I've read. The poems are simple and really get a lot across. The illustrations compliment the poetry beautifully. Recommended.
I'm not so hot on the let's-tell-a-story-via-poems, but this above and beyond better than nearly all books I've read. The poems are simple and really get a lot across. The illustrations compliment the poetry beautifully. Recommended.
azajacks's review against another edition
4.0
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juliaeditrix's review against another edition
5.0
A truly beautiful book. It's a memoir of a military childhood during the civil rights era; her father was one of the first fewcareer military officers. They traveled from one side of the country to another whenever he was reassigned. Her longing for a place to call home is potent and real. Each poem shows that the speaker has learned a little something more. Each poem is a sonnet, but not traditional, not rhymed. This is a lovely work. Inspiring.