In “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”, Langston Hughes is reflecting on the strength of African American ancestors around the world. It depicts life near the Euphrates, Congo, Nile and Mississippi rivers. Living, working, sleeping and being free as it relates to these rivers. I had to read this book a couple of times because there’s was a different message each time. ( )

This book is a good introduction to poems and how to construct poems and how we can use images to enhance what we are trying to get across. I think it's a bit deep for younger elementary kids, but for older students it's a wonderful book to tear apart and dig into.

I think this book is so interesting, and E.B. Lewis, the illustrator is so incredibly talented. These pictures are captivating and awe-inspiring. They're so cool, and I think they match Langston's intentions for his poetry. My interpretation of this poem is probably way off, but I want to give my best attempt. This won't be eloquent, but here it is: He says he bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young, built his hut near the Congo, and looked upon the Nile and raised pyramids, and heard the singing of the MS river when Abe Lincoln went to N.O. This seems like a brief history of the world from a black person's eyes. The cradle of civilization, the Euphrates, is where all of our ancestors emerged. He's been here since the beginning of time, like rivers, connecting everything. They spread and advanced and built shelter in the Congo. More than that, he, as a human, as a part of civilization, being one who shares humanity with common people, lived through the construction of pyramids, as we're all cut from the same fabric. The singing of the MS river could be the wails and songs of slaves until Abe Lincoln, an abolitionist, purportedly ends slavery. The next line seems like a metaphor for exactly that-- "and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset," even after the darkest hour, or muddy bosom, life had improved, or turned golden. In this picture, they are seen happily fishing. The pictures demonstrate that the figure in this poem are aging over time, like rivers, who have also "seen" and experienced a lot. I think much more could be said or interpreted about this; there's definitely room for open interpretation. It won the Coretta Scott King Book Award in 2 010. ( )

Age Appropriateness (Primary, Intermediate, Middle School): Intermediate
Review/Critique: This book is about the experience of African American people during the time of slavery and civil rights. The book is actually a poem written by Langston Hughes. I really enjoyed this book because it had a profound message and meaning.
Comments on Use: I would use this book to explain how poetry can be illustrated to deepen meaning. I would also use this book to illustrate that even though it may not have a lot of words, it still has a strong message. ( )