Free to Dream

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9A biography of an important figure in African American literature, culture, and politics. Osofsky concentrates on Hughes's childhood and the formation of his character in the face of adversity, portraying a young man interested in the world, in schooling, and in poetry. The poet's extraordinary accomplishments, even in elementary and high school, are documented, with no invented incidents or language, and supported by black-and-white photographs. This is a readable, thorough work equal to the task of presenting the subject's genius and importance. But the last 25 years of Hughes's life are passed over with remarkable haste and lack of commentary, and the issue of his sexuality is handled without the honesty it deserves. The peculiarity of the dense commentary on the poet's youth, as opposed to the lightning race to the end, begs more questions than it answers.Ruth K. MacDonald, Bay Path College, Longmeadow, MA

Hazel Rochman

Langston Hughes continues to talk to readers of all ages with a powerful simplicity rooted in African American music and daily experience. This biography provides an overview of his life and times, as well as discussion of his work, his leading role in the Harlem Renaissance, and his commitment to giving voice to his people, "laughing to keep from crying." The slightly oversize volume is attractive, with a bright front and back jacket, lots of quotes and black-and-white-photos throughout, and clear chapter notes at the back that make it easy to find the poems and autobiographies. Despite the spacious format, however, the type of the main text is very tight. Still, young people will be drawn to the life story of "a passed-around child," raised in a time of widespread segregation, who grew up to write great poetry with "the boogie-woogie rumble of a dream deferred."