Status
Available
Publication
Carolrhoda Books (2018), 40 pages
Library's review
"A fresh approach to exploring interracial communication.
In an unusual, long-distance collaboration, poets Latham and Waters have crafted a collection of poems that explore the intersection between race and childhood friendships. Each poet reveals his or her individual perspective on shared
A brave and touching portrayal worthy of sharing in classrooms across America." A Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
In an unusual, long-distance collaboration, poets Latham and Waters have crafted a collection of poems that explore the intersection between race and childhood friendships. Each poet reveals his or her individual perspective on shared
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experiences by imagining their childhood selves existing in the current day of complex racial realities. Their interactions, expressed through poetic verse, navigate the ambiguous and often challenging feelings that children encounter as they grapple with identity and race—a process forced on them when they are paired for a classroom poetry project. The story takes readers through school days, interludes with concerned parents, and polarizing peer interactions. In one scene, young Irene, who is white, feels ostracized when she isn’t invited to play freeze dance with the black girls on the playground. At the beach, young Charles, who is black, is teased by white kids who wear dreadlocks and cornrows, appropriating the culture of black people, while bullying and spewing hate toward Charles. In between the uncomfortable moments are lighter, universal childhood scenarios, as when Charles asserts his choice to be vegan at a traditional soul-food dinner or when Irene describes the solace she finds in her love of horses. Interracial couple Qualls and Alko contribute graceful illustrations that give the feelings expressed visual form.A brave and touching portrayal worthy of sharing in classrooms across America." A Kirkus starred review, www.kirkusreviews.com
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Awards
Utah Beehive Book Award (Nominee — Poetry — 2020)
Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Nominee — 2020)
William Allen White Children's Book Award (Nominee — Grades 3-5 — 2021)
Blue Hen Book Award (Nominee — Middle Readers — 2020)
Charlotte Huck Award (Honor — 2019)
NCTE Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels (Poetry — 2019)
Notable Children's Book (Middle Readers — 2019)
Nerdy Book Award (2018)
Evanston Public Library 101 Great Books for Kids (Poetry — 2018)
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
151240442X / 9781512404425