I, Too, Am America

It is not a collection but an interpretation of one of Langston Hughes' most popular and poignant poems on race, I, Too, Am America, but told through the eyes of Pullman porters.

I knew as soon as I saw that there was an picture book based on a Langston Hughes poem not only did I have to read it, I would have to own it. The quality of the art is superb. I thought that liking at Hughes’ poem through the porters’ eyes was an interesting take, through the images the art both told its own story while connecting to the poem. Another book that I enjoyed so much that I purchased it.

This picture book, the poem along with the illustration, encourages readers to take on multiple perspectives, that are most likely different from their own. Readers are confronted with the images of beautiful people with hopes and dreams that are forced to eat in back rooms because of the color of their skin. Wonderful entry point into stepping into someone else's shoes and learning more about discrimination. Lead into discussions of what segregation feels like and the impact that it has on their pride and self-esteem.

This short poem is easy to read for primary readers, but perhaps the meaning can be more deeply understood and appreciated by intermediate readers. This short poem is matched by illustrations of a train porter with dark skin who is discriminated against through segregation even as he works. However, he has the power to spread information to others who feel powerless when passengers leave behind newspapers on the train, which can provide hope of a better future.
Students who value diversity will really value the inclusive tone in this story. It is also a simple read with vivid illustrations for struggling readers who prefer to infer meaning from images.

Stunning. One word of advice: it's an illustrated poem. So, don't be misled into thinking it will work well in a preschool just because there aren't a lot of words. A wonderful illustrator's note explains the context and symbolism. A triumphant work of art. Best of all, not only is it important, but it's enjoyable.

I really liked this book for two reasons. First, this book is a Langston Hughes poem stretched into a children's picture book. This gives a new life to the poem. Each line in the poem, whether it just has one word or a complete sentence, has its own page (or two) with an illustration. The impact of the poem can be felt through the images and presentation alone. I also enjoyed the message of the book. "I, Too, Am America" is a poem detailing the struggle that African Americans go through to be accepted as equals. Langston Hughes preaches that African Americans must stand strong in the face of adversity and take the respect they deserve. Each ilne in this poem is extremely powerful and inspirational. I believe any student, especially show more African American students, will learn to appreciate their true value after reading this book. show less

I like the poem and the art. They make a neat picture book together, though it is harder than I had anticipated to read and understand the poem when it's spread out over so many pages. Still, definitely worth reading, and I enjoyed the artist's notes at the back describing why he made the choices he did when illustrating this poem.

I am a huge fan of the book I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes.While there are very few words in the book, they are extremely powerful and make a big statement. The writing captures the reader's attention and empowers them. The illustrations are what really take this book to the next level as they are just as powerful and inspiring as the words. The book pushers readers to think about what it was like to be discriminated against just because of the color of one's skin. The message of the book is that even when times are bad, eventually they will be good.