Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
By:
Illustrator: Cozbi A. Cabrera
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) is known for her poems about “real life.” She wrote about love, loneliness, family, and poverty—showing readers how just about anything could become a beautiful poem. Exquisite follows Gwendolyn from early girlhood into her adult life, showcasing her desire to write poetry from a very young age. This picture-book biography explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression—all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. And in 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois. A bold artist who from a very young age dared to dream, Brooks will inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives.
ISBN: 9781419734113
JLG Release: Jul 2020
Sensitive Areas:
None
Topics:
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000)
, Twentieth-century American poetry
, African American poets
, Biography
, Chicago, Illinois
, Poverty
, Girls and women
Awards & Honors
2021 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
2021 Sibert Honor Book
Praise & Reviews
Starred or favorable reviews have been received from these periodicals:
School Library Journal*
School Library Journal
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) was inspired to write poetry from an early age. When she wasn’t dreaming on her back porch, she was filling notebooks with observations about nature and everyday life in her Chicago neighborhood. Themes of racial injustice, hunger, and poverty stood alongside depictions of joy and wonder in her work. Brooks dedicate Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) was inspired to write poetry from an early age. When she wasn’t dreaming on her back porch, she was filling notebooks with observations about nature and everyday life in her Chicago neighborhood. Themes of racial injustice, hunger, and poverty stood alongside depictions of joy and wonder in her work. Brooks dedicated her life to writing; she won contests, got published, and eventually became the first black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. The biography’s awestruck, reverent tone is matched by the gorgeous acrylic paintings. Bright palettes of pink, orange, blue, and green evoke the influence of nature in Brooks’s work. There is a lovely contrast between the illustrations of lush outdoor sunsets and the beautifully rendered moments that depict her home life. The only thing missing from the text is more excerpts from Brooks’s poetry. Shining a spotlight on the poet’s own words would have enriched the context of her life story and shown how life can influence art and vice versa. Extensive back matter includes a poem by 15-year-old Brooks titled “Clouds,” an author’s note, a time line, source notes, and a bibliography. A visually remarkable and inspiring introduction to the life of Gwendolyn Brooks. Recommended for purchase in most collections.
Book Details
ISBN
9781419734113
First Release
July 2020
Genre
Nonfic
Dewey Classification
B
Trim Size
8 1/2" x 10 1/2"
Page Count
48
Accelerated Reader
Level 4.8; Points: 0.5;
Scholastic Reading Counts
N/ALexile
Level 870L
Format
Print Book
Edition
Hardcover edition
Publisher
Abrams
Potentially Sensitive Areas
None
Topics
Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000), Twentieth-century American poetry, African American poets, Biography, Chicago, Illinois, Poverty, Girls and women,
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