Poetry Anthologies, American Poetry, African American Poetry, Fiction - General & Miscellaneous, Poetry - General & Miscellaneous, American Literature Anthologies
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Overview
Make a Joyful Sound resonates with a message of hope and joy. This collection of poetry for children brings together a rich array of the voices of leading African-American poets. The poems are a celebration of childhood and the wonders of discovering the world and oneself. Many of the poems speak out about African-American identity - the history, dreams, and achievements that are the cornerstones of black culture in America. The strength, beauty, laughter, and love found in these poems will touch all children.There are poems by Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Eloise Greenfield, Nikkie Giovanni, Mari Evans, Quincy Troupe, Abiodun Oyewole, and Useni Eugene Perkins - all of which provide a wonderful introduction to poetry. This is a book to open a child's heart and imagination, a book that will be read again and again.
Chosen as an outstanding children's book in 1991 Parenting Reading-Magic Awards.
Honored by the Hungry Mind Review as a 1992 Children's Book of Distinction.
A collection of traditional and contemporary poems covering a wide range of topics focusing on the African-American experience.
Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 1-8Twenty three poets contribute over 60 poems, giving voice to themes of universal appeal to children, as well as those of intrinsic interest to African Americans. The illustrations, created by a husband-wife artist team, are as varied in style as the poems. Mediums include colored and graphite pencil, watercolor, and airbrush-applied dye. As a result, every page has a distinctive look, successfully interpreting both the subject and tone of the verse. Most pictures feature black children and adults; a handful of pictures include representations of other ethnic groups. The anthology covers an ambitious array of themes: black culture; the wonders of nature; dreams of peace; tall tales; family relationships; sports; and biographical tributes. Selections range from lullabies to jump-rope chants, anthems, ballads, haiku, and free-form verse. Sometimes there are jarring contrasts from one page to the next. In "A Protest Poem for Rosa Parks," the realities of the civil-rights struggle are revealed, while another selection captures the innocent joys of childhood. And yet, page by page, a mosaic of images is created. Each poem forms a part of the pattern, not only of the black experience, but of universal human experience, as well. Particularly welcome is an "About the Poet" section, summarizing biographical data. Another outstanding collection to consider is Tom Feelings's Soul Looks Back in Wonder (Dial, 1994; o.p.), which combines the works of 13 poets with stunning illustrations and similarly celebrates the African-American spirit.Sarabeth Kalajian, Venice Public Library, FLBook Details
Published
January 1, 1996
Publisher
New York : Scholastic, 1996.
Pages
112
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780590674324