Soul Looks Back in Wonder

Soul Look Back in Wonder is a juvenile book of poetry that is written by a variety of African American authors. The poems, like the authors, are varied in context and style. The majority however, have to deal with a hope for a better life and a connection to Earth/Africa. In the poem, To You by Langston Hughes the author writes about the hope and dreams of a new world and the wish for all people to come together. This depicts the hope that African-Americans will be considered part of the greater context of American society and considered equals. In Africa You Are Beautiful by Rashidah Ismaili, the author depicts, Africa as a place that she is still connected to and can never be separated from. The poem also describes Africa as a show more beautiful and bountiful land. Portraying Africa as a beautiful land instills pride in being African and in essence gives African-Americans pride in being black.
This book could be used in a juvenile reading club as a way to instill pride in the heritage of the African-American people through poetry that can be analyzed and combined with other poems written by authors of other origins. This book along with others can be combined to teach cultural awareness and pride. show less

One artist, multiple poets. Illustrated well for each different poet and poem. Theme of pride and being proud of your heritage, who you are, and where you're going. Black lives matter.

A book that is comprised of a conglomeration of poems. I thought the poems were interesting. The poems are about different topics such as playing games, history, religion, Africa, and self reflection.

Tom Feelings and poems such writers as Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Askia Toure portray the creativity, strength, and beauty of their African American heritage. This book would be good for fourth grade.

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