Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance

 

Bibliography:

Grimes, Nikki. 2021. LEGACY: WOMEN POETS OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE. BLOOMSBURY CHILDREN’S BOOKS. ISBN: 1681199440

Plot Summary:

 A feminist-forward collection of poetry celebrating women poets from the Harlem Renaissance. The book encompasses women who are not really known, especially compared to men at this time. This is a common fact we see throughout history in all matters of life. In this book, Grimes uses “The Golden Shovel” method to create original poems inspired by the works of groundbreaking women. This book is filled with numerous poets and illustrators who are women you more and likely haven’t heard of. This book also includes extra information explaining the writing style, Harlem Renaissance, and biographies of each poet and illustrator.

Critical Analysis:

 This book shocked me with the brilliance of writing as well as art. I enjoyed the book largely because Grimes introduced me to a new poetry method, poets, and illustrators. Even though I am not African American I felt the power of what was being spoken about growing up, living life, and experiences that these ladies went through. I loved how the art really matched and portrayed the culture as well. From the traditional African art to the different levels of skin tones, as well as the body shapes being realistic to women throughout the ages. Even though this book of poems is a large part about the African American culture I think most woman can truly relate to most of these pieces no matter their race.

 Text elements throughout the book help bring the whole book together. It is comprised of 3 parts, background information on the method of writing, The Harlem Renaissance, and biographies of the poets and artists. I appreciate Grimes for truly honoring these past poets and illustrators not just by sharing their work but by including information about each of these women. They deserve to be known and she has done that.

Be aware that this book will provoke great emotions. I was right away impacted by her first piece titled “Whatever” because as a junior high student, I had to deal with these issues of body image at an early age. Being someone who went through development early I felt these words, “… some days, I try to hide my new woman body, drape it in shirts two sizes too big to keep bug-eyed boys from staring in my direction.” You grew up knowing others feel this way but reading it now even close to 40 years old I felt those moments again.

The piece that I felt to my bones and felt the pain that must have been felt by those during the civil rights era and before was FLAG SALUTE by Esther Popel. To read and visualize the horror of what she did and reading the ending just really pulls at your heartstrings. It's one of those times that I just don’t understand what and why people have such a hatred for something so small as skin color. You feel the pain and the shock of the behavior is intense, “… they cut the rope in bits, and passed them out, For souvenirs, among the men and boys! The teeth no doubt, on golden chains, will hang, about that favored necks of sweethearts…”, it’s so sickening to think of the truth within this piece.

Review Awards and Excerpt(s):

Notable Books for a Global Society: 2022

Rise: A Feminist Book Project List - Beginning Readers Nonfiction: 2022

“Timely and thought-provoking.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on ONE LAST WORD

“This book is exquisitely rendered. . . . a timely, healing mirror to a new generation of readers. . . . Black girls everywhere, this collection is salve and sanctuary.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review.

“Remarkable. . . The art here is unified in its emphasis on portraying the beauty and uniqueness of Black girls and women. . . . This unique title is sure to spark thought and touch hearts.” ―Booklist

Connections:

I would first note that you need to pick and choose the pieces you share depending on what grade level you are teaching. Some pieces may be too mature for students below 9^th grade.

A variety of lessons you could use this book with are:

-          History- reading poems to share real people’s feelings on the Harlem Renaissance era, and/or civil rights. It could be used about women throughout history and the women's movements.

-          Great way to introduce a new method of poetry writing and then have students find a piece of poetry they like and create their original piece using the method.

-          You could make a class book by having a piece you like and having one student write the next poem. Pass to the next student and continue throughout the class so that they are using the golden shovel method to create a class poetry book. This would be an activity that would take time but I think they would really enjoy seeing the finished book.