Monday, February 28, 2011

Module 5 - My People by: Langston Hughes Photographs by: Charles R. Smith Jr.

Summary:
In 30 words Langston Hughes celebrated his people, and accompanying these 30 words in this book are the photographs by Charles R. Smith Jr. that do just that. "My people" are beautiful and throughout the poem we see just that.

Bibliographic Citation:
Hughes, L. (2009). My People. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

My Impression:
Hughes' poem was written in the 1920's but this version with modern day pictures to help emphasize the words is breathtaking. I would say that this book should be in every library and every classroom, because it proves the power of the statement. In 30 words Hughes expressed what so many people have not and there is not a word that could be added to enhance his work. The photographs in this book emphasize and provide examples of the words and Charles R. Smith Jr.'s notes at the end of the story left me speechless.

Reviews:
Starred Review. K Up—Smith's knack for pairing poetry and photography is well documented in books such as Hoop Queens (Candlewick, 2003) and Rudyard Kipling's If (S & S, 2006). Here, his artful images engage in a lyrical and lively dance with Langston Hughes's brief ode to black beauty. Dramatic sepia portraits of African Americans—ranging from a cherubic, chubby-cheeked toddler to a graying elder whose face is etched with lines-are bathed in shadows, which melt into black backgrounds. The 33 words are printed in an elegant font in varying sizes as emphasis dictates. In order to maximize the effect of the page turn and allow time for meaning to be absorbed, the short phrases and their respective visual narratives often spill over more than a spread. The conclusion offers a montage of faces created with varying exposures, a decision that provides a light-filled aura and the irregularities that suggest historical prints. A note from Smith describes his approach to the 1923 poem. This celebration of the particular and universal will draw a wide audience: storytime participants; students of poetry, photography, and cultural studies; seniors; families. A timely and timeless offering.—Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
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http://www.amazon.com/My-People-Langston-Hughes/dp/1416935401/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

How to use this book in your library:
The best use of this book is simply to share it. Share it with everyone because "My People" does two very powerful things: it encourages understanding of those who are different and it encourages artistic expression in two different ways. Use this book to encourage artistic expression with your students perhaps with something they don't understand as the medium.

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