A Crown of Stories

     "As a grad student in publications design in the 1980s, I was inspired by the design of The Black Book to pair my poems celebrating Black America with historical images. That photo-essay for class grew into a life passion for pictures and research...20 years later, that class assignment grew into a book: Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People."

     Carole Boston Weatherford, a prize winning children's book author, considers Toni Morrison to be a mentor. The awe and respect and love she has for her is evident in her biography in verse, A Crown of Stories. 

     The highly unusual choice of voice--second person in a way I have never seen before--speaks to an intimacy between author and subject. The you Weatherford addresses is Morrison. 

"No one can call you second class. 

That means a lot at a time when laws and leaders 

keep Blacks at the bottom of the ladder. 

Your family may not have had much money,

but your mother joins the Book of the Month Club.

In the Wofford household books are everywhere. 

You devour them like Sunday supper."

     I shared that quote because to me it conveys the essence of the book. It is evocative. As it narrates Morrison's life story it gives a real feel for its texture and nuance. It gives a real feel for the life of a child who was given the treasure of books and reading in a world that was hell bent on keeping her "in her place".

     Khalif Tahir Thompson's warm, colorful collage like illustrations are a powerful compliment to the text. They are not to be just skimmed over. They not only help set the tone, but convey valid clues. When she is shown writing, for example, it's always with a standard number 2 pencil, nothing fancier.

     All in all, this captivating and engaging book would be a great addition to public, school, and family libraries. 

On a purrrsonal note, I'm having a grand timeal volunteering with Clean Sweep. Today I was working on clothes and bedding. I'm making some great finds--mostly clothes and Squishmallows. Today I found Air Jordans that fit! All they need is laces. My very first Air Jordans. Eugene is not as enthusiastic as he could be about the new sofa. Tobago has enough enthusiasm for both of them. I am ever so glad I arranged the switch. 

A great big shout out goes out to the '26 Clean Sweep crew and our fearless leader (who is also my best friend) Lisa Morin. 

Jules Hathaway 

Sent from my Galaxy