Finding Langston

Finding Langston

Juvenile fiction
"The school bell rings loud and I remember I'm a long way from
Alabama, dirt roads, and slow walking. I grab my satchal and make my
way fast down the stairs, through the school yard, past block after
block of the cracked sidewalks of Chicago's South Side. I step quick
past Binga State Bank, the Jackson Funeral Home, and Saul's Butcher
Shop with rows of baloney lined up in the window like a curtain. I
wish it were home I was rushing to. Instead, I'm hurrying to get as
far away as I can from Haines Junior High School."
The year is 1946. Langston, protagonist of Lisa Cline-Ransome's
Finding Langston, has just lost his beloved mother when he and his
father leave family, friends, and everything they've ever known to
move to Chicago where his dad believes they can actually get ahead.
It had been his parents' dream.
"...Me and your mama heard a lot of folks talk about up north a
man can provide for his family without always scraping and bowing.
Your mama wanted to come north something bad. She didn't want you
working a plot. We were just waiting...waiting for the right time, I
guess. Then it was too late.
Now Langston and his father share a shabby one room apartment.
Rats run through the halls. City noises keep a boy more used to owl
and cricket songs awake. At school he is tormented by bullies.
Things start to change, however, when Langston discovers a very
special haven in the midst of urban ugliness. It's a place where he
can learn about another Langston who shared his experience.
"Folks, I come up North
Cause they told me de North was fine.
I came up North
Cause dey told me de North was fine.
Been up here six months--
I'm about to lose my mind."
Langston feels like he has to keep his discoveries a secret from
his dad. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
On a purrrsonal note, I had a mostly good weekend. A bunch of us
worked in the garden. DJ made chocolate zucchini bread you'd never
even guess had zucchini in it. I found an amazing shirt at the thrift
shop that I think I'll wear first day of class. It's a guys black and
white fake tuxedo and bow tie shirt. It's big enough for me to wear
it with leggings. I'll be looking good. The rest of the time I hung
with Joey and wrote and worked on my shed. Joey is so affectionate
even as it takes more energy. I had some hours I felt like my heart
was breaking when I realized a time will come when we won't be able to
take care of each other. I realized that what I'll feel if my trans
brother predeceases me will be miniscule in contrast to losing Joey.
I haven't seen him on decades. I don't remember what he looks like.
Joey, in contrast, has been with me through thick and thin longer than
most people stay married. Sharing events large and small, happy and
sad for 16 years.
A great big shout out goes out to the best little cat in the world who
loves me.
jules hathaway


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