Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes

Rating:
Summary: Walking with Pride
Review: I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Langston Hughes before I had read it. I think I understand him a little better after reading it. What attracted me the most was finding a book about an African American boy who learned his own family history and could feel proud of it. I guess the following quote sums it up "Almost always, his grandma told stories of heroes. Heroes who were black, just like Langston." I am volunteering in an inner city middle school. The kids I tutor do not read anywhere near their grade level. I think they might be able to read this book, and still enjoy it. It's not a baby book, although, I suppose a young child might enjoy it, too. I also like the warm and colorful pictures.

Rating:
Summary: Heroes, who were just like Langston.
Review: I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Langston Hughes before I had read it. I think I understand him a little better after reading it. What attracted me the most was finding a book about an African American boy who learned his own family history and could feel proud of it. I guess the following quote sums it up "Almost always, his grandma told stories of heroes. Heroes who were black, just like Langston." I am volunteering in an inner city middle school. The kids I tutor do not read anywhere near their grade level. I think they might be able to read this book, and still enjoy it. It's not a baby book, although, I suppose a young child might enjoy it, too. I also like the warm and colorful pictures.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Illustrations
Review: The watercolor illustrations employed represent the setting perfectly, regardless if the point in the story was that of a rural Kansas, Kansas City street life, and Mexican village. What wonderful impressionistic artwork! There seems to be an inner light in the faces of each person represented in the illustrations.
The action and music portrayed in the text, carries over into the illustrations. The book's illustrations show movement and action. A sense of happiness or loneliness is conveyed through the watercolor paintings. They are very explicit in showing emotion. Overall, text and illustrations, lend this to being one of the best biographical books for young children.

Rating:
Summary: Walking with Pride
Review: This story is so moving. Showing hardships, love, and finding acceptance.It tells of an Afician child learning about his history and walking tall as a man. It was very moving, the pictures were soft and had a texture of warmth. I would highly recommend it for reading.