One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance

• Age Range: 10-14 years

• Grade Level: 4 - 6

• 2017 New York Public Library Best Kids Book of the Year

• Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2017

• Middle Grade A School Library Journal Best Book of 2017: Nonfiction

  For classroom and reading resources, click here.

SUMMARY

One Last Word is an emotional poetry collection inspired by Harlem Renaissance poets like Langston Hughes, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Jean Toomer, and others who enriched history during this era.

Each poem is paired with colorful artwork from African American illustrators--including Pat Cummings, Brian Pinkney, Sean Qualls, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe, and many more--to create an emotional and thought-provoking book with timely themes.

A foreword, an introduction to the history of the Harlem Renaissance, author's note, poet biographies, and index makes this not only a book to cherish, but a wonderful resource as well.

REVIEW

“This striking, passionate anthology reminds young readers and adult fans of poetry alike that while black life remains “no crystal stair,” there remains reason to hope and a reserve of courage from which to draw.”—Kirkus Reviews