Palm of my Heart: Poetry by African American Children

• Age Range: 5 - 7 years

• Grade Level: Kindergarten - 3

• 1997 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrator

  For classroom and reading resources, click here.

SUMMARY

Children play, sing, dance, and love. But most of all, they encounter joy in everyday life with simplicity and awe-inspiring courage. Through the eyes of children, we can see the world with rawness that shows brutal, yet beautiful honesty.

Celebrate life with them through these twenty rhythmic poems that fill the world with inspiration by honoring African American culture.

REVIEWS

“Christie’s long, angular images are reminiscent of Masai warriors with long graceful necks, wearing pride in their postures. The acrylic-and-pen renderings never outpace the simple, humble passages that reflect children who have discovered the power of the written word and their own inner strength.”—Booklist

“The 20 poems that Adedjouma gathered..ranged seamlessly, and the selections are life-affirming, brimming with self-awareness, and written in a celebration of African American culture… interpretations of the text…convey a distinct story, mood, or tribute to the culture.” —Kirkus Reviews

"The poems are sensitive, positive, emotional, and can serve as wonderful discussion starters on issues of culture, slavery, and self-esteem." —Multicultural Guide, Board or Education of the City of New York