Coming Home: From the Life of Langston Hughes

by Floyd Cooper

Book Overview

Young Langston Hughes was a dreamer. He dreamed about heroes like Booker T. Washington, who was black just like him. When he heard the clackety-clack of train wheels, he dreamed about the places it had been. But most of all, he dreamed about having a happy home. And so, one day, he began turning those dreams into beautiful prose. As he did, he discovered where his home really was--in the words and rhythms of his poetry that reached people all over...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0698116127
• ISBN13: 9780698116122
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The GREAT ONES usually start from HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Floyd Cooper's book is the perfect introduction to the early life of one of America's literary giants. This biography covers so much ground, with historical references, as well as stressing the importance of family, that the book is an asset to teach different subject areas. Smaller children can relate to the simple narrative, while older readers can make connections between the young "dreamer" and the works for which he would be later known. The book could fit easily in the library of both an elementary or high school.

Wonderful Illustrations

The watercolor illustrations employed represent the setting perfectly, regardless if the point in the story was that of a rural Kansas, Kansas City street life, and Mexican village. What wonderful impressionistic artwork! There seems to be an inner light in the faces of each person represented in the illustrations. The action and music portrayed in the text, carries over into the illustrations. The book's illustrations show movement and action. A sense of happiness or loneliness is conveyed through the watercolor paintings. They are very explicit in showing emotion. Overall, text and illustrations, lend this to being one of the best biographical books for young children.

Walking with Pride

This story is so moving. Showing hardships, love, and finding acceptance.It tells of an Afician child learning about his history and walking tall as a man. It was very moving, the pictures were soft and had a texture of warmth. I would highly recommend it for reading.

Heroes, who were just like Langston.

I thouroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Langston Hughes before I had read it. I think I understand him a little better after reading it. What attracted me the most was finding a book about an African American boy who learned his own family history and could feel proud of it. I guess the following quote sums it up "Almost always, his grandma told stories of heroes. Heroes who were black, just like Langston." I am volunteering in an inner city middle school. The kids I tutor do not read anywhere near their grade level. I think they might be able to read this book, and still enjoy it. It's not a baby book, although, I suppose a young child might enjoy it, too. I also like the warm and colorful pictures.