Speak to Me: (And I Will Listen between the Lines)
Grade 3-5–English's rich descriptions and insights bring readers into the world of six inner-city third-grade students. In perceptive free-verse poems, they talk about their school day. Lamont loves school: "…I can give my teacher a new flower/And we can both be happy all over again." For Tyrell, however, the experience is painful: "I don't care about anything this day/And you can't make me." Malcolm is a dreamer who fantasizes about floating away on a cloud and thinks about slavery, the subject of a class lesson: "I come from the ones who knew they would not/Could not live/Yet still lived." Brianna is creative and independent ("I paint everything the way I want it"); Neecy is energetic and full of fun; and Rica is excited about turning eight and her new responsibilities ("Going to the store/With money and a list/That I can read"). Bates's watercolor-and-ink illustrations capture the characters' expressions and moods vividly: Tyrell's scowl and desperation; Lamont's proud, somewhat smug posture; Neecy's high-energy activities; and Rica's utter delight on her birthday. Particularly powerful is Malcolm's visualization of slavery. Teachers could easily use the book to discuss voice and perspective. With its uncluttered and inviting design, this title will have strong appeal.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.