Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (2006), Edition: Illustrated, 32 pages
Description
The only way to make a bid for a girl's equality is to climb right up to the toppermost bough of the very tallest tree. The dynamic ode to girl power was written by noted Afro-American actor, poet, and playwright Beach E. Richards. First published in 1951, her poem is given new life in this edition that includes an introduction by LisaGay Hamilton and stunning illustrations by R. Gregory Christie. With its inspirational messsage, this book will empower children with the realization that "the path of life goes up and up/not down!"
User reviews
LibraryThing member lquilter
A girl is told to come down from the tree and be ladylike. If you're dealing with someone who's having to confront sexism, this could be a good story. But if you're looking just for simple positive reinforcement about girls doing active play, be careful, because sexism is portrayed, and the girl
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has to basically ignore sexist advice. So, uplifting, yes, but be ready to introduce your kid to the concept of sexism. Show Less
LibraryThing member rjones34
Summary: "Keep Climbing, Girls" is a poem about a girl who climbs to the top part of the tallest tree while a lady named Miss Nettle yells for her to come down. However, the girl is making an effort to "make a bid for a girl's equality" since boys have a upper hand.
Review: The central message of
Review: The central message of
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this book is for girls to keep climbing to their goals and desires and not let anyone prevent you. "Keep Climbing, Girl" is a great book that shows the innocence, yet wisdom of a young girl. The book showcases the young girl's wisdom by saying "But Miss Nettie hadn't reckoned with the wisdom of little girls. For even they know little boys have the upper hand in this world." However, the book shows the child's innocence as well because she believes the only way she can earn a girl's equality is to climb the tallest tree. I believe young children can relate to this way of thinking because it shows a child's view of inequality. Show Less
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
The heroine of Beah E. Richards' poem climbs a tree in this picture-book, ignoring the commands, advice and threats of the more traditional Miss Nettie, who doesn't think such activities are appropriate for little girls. The narrator offers encouragement, relating how Miss Nettie hasn't reckoned on
Originally published in 1951, in Richards' sole poetry collection, A Black Woman Speaks, this rebellious and aspirational piece is presented in picture-book form by illustrator R. Gregory Christie, and introduced by actress LisaGay Hamilton. Richards, who was a celebrated actress, as well as an author and activist, was an inspiration and mentor to Hamilton, who worked on a television documentary about her hero's life. Although I appreciate the sentiments expressed in Keep Climbing, Girls, I have to say that the poem itself didn't particularly impress me, and I frequently found its rhythm somewhat awkward, when attempting to read it aloud (something I always do with picture-book poems). Of course, personal reaction to poetry is intensely idiosyncratic, so I imagine others will have a different experience. The artwork, created in gouache, is engaging, utilizing bold shapes and intense colors.
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the ambition and wisdom of little girls, concluding with the advice to keep on climbing...Originally published in 1951, in Richards' sole poetry collection, A Black Woman Speaks, this rebellious and aspirational piece is presented in picture-book form by illustrator R. Gregory Christie, and introduced by actress LisaGay Hamilton. Richards, who was a celebrated actress, as well as an author and activist, was an inspiration and mentor to Hamilton, who worked on a television documentary about her hero's life. Although I appreciate the sentiments expressed in Keep Climbing, Girls, I have to say that the poem itself didn't particularly impress me, and I frequently found its rhythm somewhat awkward, when attempting to read it aloud (something I always do with picture-book poems). Of course, personal reaction to poetry is intensely idiosyncratic, so I imagine others will have a different experience. The artwork, created in gouache, is engaging, utilizing bold shapes and intense colors.
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LibraryThing member adaq
A girl is told to come down from the tree and be ladylike. If you're dealing with someone who's having to confront sexism, this could be a good story. But if you're looking just for simple positive reinforcement about girls doing active play, be careful, because sexism is portrayed, and the girl
Show More
has to basically ignore sexist advice. So, uplifting, yes, but be ready to introduce your kid to the concept of sexism. Show Less
Awards
Rise: A Feminist Book Project for Ages 0-18 (Selection — 2007)
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
32 p.; 11 inches
ISBN
1416902643 / 9781416902645
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Pages
32