MODULE 6: POETRY BY KIDS

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adedjouma, Davida (editor). 1996. THE PALM OF MY HEART: POETRY BY AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN. ill. Gregory Christie. New York: Lee & Low Books, Inc. ISBN 9781880000410

2. BOOK REVIEW
This book of poems was written by 20 African American children ranging from eight through fourteen years old. Each child contributed one poem to the book. In the front of the book is an editor's note from Davida, in which she describes the connotations associated with the word "black" both in the past and present and how there has been a positive change in attitude toward the word.

Each poem in this book begins with the word "black." Some of the poems rhyme, some use onomatopoeia, many use the same words and/or phrases repeatedly, and nearly all of the poems use metaphors to describe what "black" is. The word "black" is used in the poems to describe such things as culture, imagination, freedom, power, spirit, and the self. The poems in this book range from concrete to abstract. Bold lettering is used throughout the book to emphasize the important words found in each of the poems. The poems have a fluid rhythm that makes reading them appealing to both the ear and the tongue. The young authors of these poems present many unique and imaginative ways of looking at the word "black", none of them being negative. The poems in this book are sure to have an emotional impact on those who read it. This book presents poetry that will stimulate a sense of pride in readers who are of African American heritage and a sense of admiration from readers of other cultures. The tone of these poems is proud and the mood of these poems is positive.

Christie's illustrations add feeling and a sense of movement to the pages of this book. His illustrations imply fluid motion and are painted using rich dark colors. At times, the characteristics mentioned in the poems are exaggerated in the illustrations, such as in a poem that describes "black hands." The illustration that corresponds with this poem is one of a girl who has huge hands that are out of proportion to the rest of her body. Doing this adds a focus for the reader as to what the poems are emphasizing, both concrete and abstract.

3. SELECTED POEM
The poems in this book are not titled. The poem I selected was written by a twelve-year-old girl named Andreya Renee Allen. I choose her poem because it shows the reader the sense of pride and the positive attitude that she feels about being black. This book could be used as a way to teach children pride in their culture and positive self-esteem. The instructor could read the book aloud to the class. After reading, the students could discuss how they are the same and different in their culture, appearance, traditions, etc. The students could then write a poem which emphasizes their positive attributes and draw a self-portrait to go along with it.

Black is beautiful

Black is me

Black is the color

can't you see

that


blue is nice,

and orange is neat

But they can't compete

because


Black is beautiful

Black is me

Tall, dark, and wonderful

see!