Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Langston
Langston
Langston Hughes

Wrote poems
Like jazz

Sang like love
Cried like the blues 

In this picture book, a little girl puts on her favorite pink blouse and visits Langston Hughes's house with her daddy. But that's where the story ends. I want to know what happens once she gets to Langston's house.

My only criticism is that the text isn't long enough. Just when I started getting into the rhythm and story, it ended. But then again, I can't get enough of anything related to Langston Hughes. He is my all-time favorite poet.
Bryan Collier's illustrations are lovely, thought-provoking, and as always, add another layer of meaning to the story. 

This would be a great book to pair with Ntozake Shange's Ellington Was Not A Street which also examines a child's reflection at the history-making African American men who have made this country great. Lots of background knowledge is needed to help students understand both books.


Visiting Langston by Willie Perdomo, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Published: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Pages: 32
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Middle Grade
Disclosure: Library Copy