What better book to feature for National Poetry Month and Perfect Picture Book Friday than this story about the first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry. An achievement made even more phenomenal given the year she won—1950.
The thread that winds its way through this book is one of a flower seeking light. From the face surrounded by petals on the cover to the flower pattern on the end papers to the quote inserted on the title page:
The time
cracks into furious flower. Lifts its face
all unashamed. — Gwendolyn Brooks
to the first spread where the young Gwendolyn contemplates a flower fiercely blooming in a crack in the sidewalk on Chicago’s South Side.
Text ©️Alice Faye Duncan Illustration ©️Xia Gordon
Duncan sets the tone with the elevated trains that “grumble, rumble, and roll real fast.”
Gwendolyn wonders: Can flowers grow without sunlight?
She’s a child who keeps to herself, who’s more comfortable with books than her peers. But she listens. She hears:
Women talk about men.
Men talk about sports.
Children call Gwen—”ol’ stuck-up heifer!”
But her parents believe in her—even when she can’t find the “RIGHT” words and buries her poems in the back yard.
They believe in her when her school teacher accuses Gwen of cheating because she writes so well.
Text ©️Alice Faye Duncan Illustration ©️Xia Gordon
I love this image of her mother fiercely marching down to school with Gwen in tow, insisting that Gwen prove to her teacher that, yes, she’s capable of such eloquence. Gwen writes a poem that forces the teacher to back down, and Gwen begins to believe in her writing.
Her parents continue to support her efforts, recognizing her talent. She’s allowed to “sit and think” instead of mopping floors and doing other chores. She writes a poem a day. She revises.
Gwen’s confidence is a bud in spring.
She writes poems for the Chicago Defender, and begins to seek out other poets. She graduates college and gets married. While her husband goes to work, Gwen writes and revises in their two-room kitchenette, and mothers their son. Her first book of poetry is published in 1945 and a second, Annie Allen, follows four years later. It wins the Pulitzer Prize in 1950.
Her husband and son and parents celebrate the flower that they have loved, the flower who has thrived and blossomed.
Gwendolyn believed.
She found her light.
Duncan’s lyrical writing suits her subject perfectly. Back matter includes an author’s note that delves more deeply into the specifics of Brooks’s life , a timeline, and suggested readings to find out more, along with a bibliography. Recognition for the poet’s work includes not only the Pulitzer but an appointment as the 29th Poet Laureate of the United States, National Medal of Art, and the Lincoln Laureate Award.
Activities:
Pair this book with BRONZEVILLE BOYS & GIRLS by Gwendolyn Brooks, illustrated by Faith Ringgold.
In honor of Gwendolyn Brooks, plant flowers in your yard or garden where they will thrive in the sun.
Write a poem about a flower in sunlight.
Title: A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
Author: Alice Faye Duncan
Illustrator: Xia Gordon
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books, 2019
Themes: Gwendolyn Brooks, poetry, believing in yourself
Ages: K-4
For more perfect picture book recommendations, please visit Susanna Hill’s blog.
Jilanne Hoffmann 
and … the proliferation of words: the earth which can be used to support the tiny filigree roots which eventually flower, petals
Your words both anchor and stretch skyward. I think the light does you good.
– *wink* –
Love this! As a fellow Chicagoan, so much of Gwendolyn’s work speaks to me. Bronzeville is right next to where my grandparents lived. 💙 Thanks for sharing this.
I think you should write a song called I Left My Heart in Chicago. Lots of people would enjoy singing it.
It’s definitely a true statement. 😊
What an incredible true story with the conflict built in. I can’t believe that her teachers thought she cheated when she wrote. Such a talent. Loved how you shared this story.
She was amazing, wasn’t she? And how her family nurtured and gave her talent room to grow. Quite miraculous!
So timely!
Same wavelength?
https://aprayerlikegravity.wordpress.com/2020/04/10/o-p-p-10-gwendolyns-building/
She was an amazing woman and a phenomenal poet. I love her work and yet I have only borrowed her books from the library…..I have none on my shelves! I shall have to remedy that soon! (Especially since I can’t get anything from the library for the foreseeable future–and it’s KILLING me!)
I know exactly what you mean! I headed to the library two hours before they closed, here, to pick up all my holds before the shut-down. It turns out I’m ordering books from indies, sparingly, so I don’t break the bank. Thanks, again, for sharing that poem. She’s amazing!
Fabulous choice for poetry month and the snippets you shared caught in my chest. Your review makes me both want to read this picture book but also immerse myself more in Gwendolyn’s words.
I, too, need a Brooks immersion. I just saw that Maria Marshall shared another new book about Brooks by Suzanne Slade, on her blog today. We are in sync without planning to be.
A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks is such a gorgeous book! It’s one of my favorites. Gwendolyn Brooks is perfect inspiration for any child – and creative children in particular. And her parents just make you want to cheer.
I know! Her parents knew what she needed and allowed her to be who she was. And before she believed in herself, they believed in her. So many parents would not have been so thoughtful.
Oh Jilanne, I agree with you (your comment on my post) these two books will go well together. What fun! I can’t wait for the libraries to open again so I can get this one. Thanks.
Beautiful choice! This one has been on my radar for awhile. I need to get my hands on this gorgeous book.
You won’t be disappointed! One of these days, the libraries and bookstores and, well, the world will be open again.
Keep these types of books coming, I love to learn about people, despite not being a fan of people in the flesh. Now we play the waiting game for the shops to open again…
It is a bit maddening to be stuck at home in the service of saving humanity. I see from your funny video that you’re coping well. I raise my glass to you!
This is a favorite picture book biography, and with the floral imagery, perfect for spring & National Poetry Month. Great choice & review!
Thanks, Patricia! I’m not surprised that it’s one of your favorites! I hope the sun is shining on you today!