Module 5 - My People by Langston Hughes (ill by Charles R. Smith)

Hughes, L., & Smith, C. R. (2009). My people . New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers/ginee seo books. 

Genre Category: Picture Book
Source: Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, 2010
Age Range: Ages 4 and up
Assessment of the book’s quality: Beautiful and dramatic illustrations in realistic photographs that agreeably accompany the text of the poem.
Assessment of the book’s potential use: The book is especially a good
source to be used during Black History month in celebrating the black race. It can also be used as a display/showcased in the library setting during that month or read during storytime.
Assessment of the book’s child appeal: The book is a great way to share a different culture or race.

Summary:

This is a re-imagined publication of Langston Hughes' poem, My People, using photography to grasp the celebration of African Americans, capturing them laughing, gazing, and being deep in thought. With depiction of the diverse shades, ages, and shapes of African Americans he praises and honors the black race. He places photos of people with dark skin next to the word, "night" and lighter tones of skin next to the word, "sun." 

Reaction and Impressions:
It is undeniably amazing how these beautiful and dramatic photos are used to more describe the poem and to show the beauty and soul of black people. In short, this is a book of love, respect, honor and celebration. This is the kind of a book that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages. The poetry and beauty of these photographs in this book are a great way to share a different culture and race.

"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."_School Library Journal

"Bold photographs that joyfully celebrate the diversity of African-American culture bring this simple text to life once again. Faces of various skin tones and ages, and both genders, explode from the black background of each page, all reproduced in faintly antiqued sepia tones that both befit the Jazz Age origins of the poem and give glorious depth to the faces depicted. The image that illustrates "The stars are beautiful" is of hair ornaments in deep, rich, black hair; light-bathed faces look up into an implied "sun." Smith's eye for detail and his extraordinary photographs eloquently express the pride and love the poet felt for his people, capturing equally the curiosity and excitement of youth and the experience and wisdom of elders. The simple yet brilliant photographs fully occupy the page; filmstrip-like thumbnails at the edges provide a visual rhythm. All together, they are the perfect accompaniment to the classic poem and create a complex work of art that any age can relish."_ Kirkus Reviews