Book post: My People

Book cover from Charles R. Smith, Jr.

Hughes, L. and Smith, C.R. (2009). My people. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

*Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award*

Langston Hughes' poignant poem "My People" is turned into a book with photographs by Charles R. Smith, Jr. Hughes wanted to lift up his race through his poetry. The book, like the poem, celebrates black people, showcasing shared culture and diversity within the race. This would be a great way to talk about the importance of respecting one's family and heritage, and introduce one of America's greatest poets. I love the variety of faces shown in the book and the way their facial expressions match the tone of the poem perfectly.