A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart

Through her poetic text, author Zetta Elliott explores the varying emotions of a young African-American boy as the idyllic days of summer are interrupted by the tension, anguish and anger brought on by a police shooting in his community. Offering affirmation through acknowledgment, the narrative explores both the anger and protest that follow such an incident, but also the eventual healing, and the boy's sense of connection to his community and the wider world.

Published in July of this past year (2020), A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart could not have been more timely, in terms of the events and experiences it addresses. It was chosen as one of four Caldecott Honor books, along with Cozbi A. Cabrera's Me & Mama, Irene show more Latham, Karim Shamsi-Basha and Yuko Shimizu's The Cat Man of Aleppo, and Deborah Underwood and Cindy Derby's Outside In. It is, amazingly enough, illustrator Noa Denmon's debut picture-book, but I can see why it was honored. I found her use of background flower motifs in some scenes quite beautiful, and thought that she did an excellent job capturing the narrator's changing emotions. I liked that the narrative ended with hope and love, and that the accompanying visual, on the second-to-last page, featured a dove (the bird of peace) so prominently. Recommended to picture-book readers seeking stories that address the personal and community fallout after police shootings, or other traumatic events. show less

Gorgeous. Made me cry, both with anger and with hope. I can't pretend to fully understand the emotional landscape of a young African-American male, given that I'm a senior white female, but these talented artists make me feel a bit closer to their experience.

What is wrong with America that we have to remind each other that Black Lives Matter? Of *course* they do! Damn.

"A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart" was brought to my attention when I read that that some people found it objectionable and wanted it pulled from school libraries. (Yes, I read banned books!)

It is described in some cases as a poem about a Black boy dealing with his emotions, in particular the emotions that arise after a Black girl is shot. If not for the illustrations, the poem really could be about the emotions of just about anyone -- Black, White, or otherwise -- involving almost anything that stirs strong emotions in a person. The illustrations really center the book around the feelings of a Black boy and his reaction to the girl's shooting. But there is NOTHING that I could find the least bit objectionable about the show more book. Quite to the contrary. I enjoyed this short poem, and found myself wanting it to last a bit longer. The author, Zetta Elliott, has really done a magnificent job of relating a vast array of emotions in just a few pages.

Not only does Elliott avoid objectionable material, I think the author chose wisely by ending on notes of peace, compassion, hope, and love. That's a message all of us could use.

And for those objecting to this poem, if they cannot understand what the author is relating, then they do not understand what is reality in the lives of far too many people, or the objectors lack empathy, or both. show less

This is such a remarkable book! Like the cover of the book says, A Place Inside of Me is "a poem to heal the heart". In this poem, we are able to see a child explore his shifting emotions throughout the year. It delivers positivity, despite the inclusion of police brutality, a Black Lives Matter protest, and a vigil for the deceased. This poem shows Black representation and deals with many important topics going on in our world today, which is why I know it would be a powerful addition to my classroom library. I would love to dive into this poem deeper with my future students and have discussions with them regarding grief, protests, healing, and community. A Place Inside of Me would allow my students to have a better understanding of show more poetry and show them the importance of self-reflection. show less

The author explores a variety of emotions in free verse that black children may be experiencing, including joy, sorrow, fear, anger, hunger, pride, peace, compassion, hope, and love.

Illustrator Noa Denmon adds images from the “Black Lives Matter” movement to several of her colorful pictures, as well as images of great figures in black history.

In an interview, the author said:

“The subtitle really says it all—“a poem to heal the heart.” I hope that young readers will honor their emotions—all of them—and know that it’s okay to feel afraid or upset. When we’re honest about how we feel, we have the chance to forge connections with others; shame only leads to silence and isolation. I hope kids understand that connecting show more with others and working together is how we create change.” show less

This book is about a young boy taking in the world around him and dealing with his emotions. Specifically, it follows the "Black Lives Matter" political stance. This would be a good book for older children who can understand politic views. It would also be good for African American and Black representation, as well as how to recognize and deal emotions.

A young black boy is going through emotions that continue to change and evolve. He has to learn about his emotions and why they are affecting him. He acknowledges different bottled emotions and addresses them.