Love to Langston - Hardcover

From one Harlem poet to another, Love to Langston is a tribute to one of America's most talented and beloved poets, Langston Hughes. Written in the art form Hughes cherished most, this biography in verse captures glimpses of the poet's world through his voice as author-poet Tony Medina imagines it. Readers will learn how young Langston was ridiculed in first grade by his teacher who "tells one kid / not to eat licorice / or he'll turn black / like me." In "I Do Not Like My Father Much," we discover that Hughes's father severed all contact with his son when he learned that he wanted to be a poet. There's even a poem about author Alice Walker bringing the ailing poet a bag of oranges when he was on his deathbed. Devotees of Langston Hughes and those who are meeting him for the first time will enjoy this accessible biography with striking acrylic illustrations by R. Gregory Christie. Medina and Christie also collaborated on DeShawn Days. (Ages 5 to 10) --Emilie Coulter

This biography in verse offers readers an exciting glimpse into the life of one of our most talented and beloved poets. Fourteen poems explore important themes and events in Hughes’ life. We learn about his lonely childhood spent with his grandmother, who told him stories of his heroic ancestors. We see the racism and poverty he overcame, and how he followed his dream to become a poet. We learn of Hughes’ love of language and travel, and how he inspired other writers. While Hughes often struggled with poverty and a world that did not welcome black poets, he stayed true to his dream of writing poetry in the language of black folks, celebrating the people with whom he grew up. This book is perfect for those who already know and love the work of Langston Hughes as well as for those who want to learn more about this inspiring man and acclaimed writer.