‘A cycle of a dozen lyrical poems exploring issues of African-American identity through delicately interwoven images. . . . Laden with meaning, the poetry is significant and lovely. Cooper's paintings, with vibrant, unsentimentalized characters in earth tone illumined with gold, are warm, contemplative'a beautiful complement to Thomas's eloquence. A must.' 'K. ‘Poems rooted in home, family, and the African-American experience…. Highly readable and attractive.' 'BL. 1994 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book for Nonfiction 1994 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Book for Illustration 1994 Teachers' Choices (IRA) Notable 1994 Childrens' Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) 1994 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE) 100 Books for Reading and Sharing (NY Public Library) 1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)
