Gwendolyn Brooks fell in love with poetry at a young age, thanks to her father's recitations and her mother's encouragement. She first picked up a pen to write her own poems when she was 7. Unlike many poets, she wrote about real life: about love and loneliness, the poverty of the Great Depression and the family that helped her survive. For many years, her published poetry earned little money — but in 1950, she became the first Black poet to with the Pulitzer Prize!
Exquisite explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression — all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. The story of this bold artist who dared to dream and express herself from a very young age is sure to inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives.
"Poetry is everything to Gwendolyn, feeding her emotionally during the Great Depression and beyond. She writes by candlelight when the electricity is out and submits poems to publishers all over the country. Eventually they are published, but they don’t earn much — and then one day a phone call delivers joyous news: She is the first black writer to win the Pulitzer Prize!... Additional backmatter, including Brooks’ poem 'Clouds,' a timeline, sources, and select bibliography, provides context and grounding for the airy book. A joyfully illustrated celebration of Brooks’ good and important work." — Kirkus Reviews
Recommended Age | 6 - 9 |
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Author | Suzanne Slade |
Illustrator | Cozbi A. Cabrera |
ISBN | 1419734113 |
Publication Date | Apr 7, 2020 |
Publisher | Abrams Books for Young Readers |
Language | English |