As the Horn Book (1993) review stated: “Myers's collection of antique photographs of African-American children from the turn of the century, sharply reproduced in black and white or sepia, inspired eleven evocative poems that affirm the African-American experience in a lyrical, tender, and sometimes humorous voice. A beautiful, unique album.”
My favourite poem in the collection is Love That Boy, which I have probably read aloud to all of my staff, and more than a few customers. It is the poem which inspired the beautiful free verse novel, Love The Dog by Sharon Creech.
So, in honour of Black History Month, please read Love That Boy, and share it far and wide...
Love that boy,
like a rabbit loves to run.
I said I love that boy,
like a rabbit loves to run.
Love to call him in the morning,
love to call him,
'Hey there, son!'
He walk like his Grandpa,
Grins like his Uncle Ben.
I said he walk like his Grandpa,
And grins like his Uncle Ben.
Grins when he's happy,
When he sad, he grins again.
His mama like to hold him,
Like to feed him cherry pie.
I said his mama like to hold him.
Like to feed him that cherry pie.
She can have him now,
I'll get him by and by.
He got long roads to walk down
Before the setting sun.
I said he got a long, long road to walk down
Before the setting sun.
He'll be a long stride walker,
And a good man before he done.
Walter Dean Myers (1937 – 2014)
Visit any Kitchener Public Library location for more suggestions of great books to celebrate the month.