Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African American Poetry

Written by Ashley Bryan
Illustrated by Ashley Bryan

This is an alphabet book based around the theme of African American poets. Each letter of the alphabet has lines from a poem written by an African American poet. The corresponding letter of the alphabet is highlighted in the lines on each page. For example, for the letter F, the page reads:

There are words like Freedom
Sweet and wonderful to say.
On my heart-strings freedoms sings
All day everyday.
-Langston Hughes

Each page has bright, bold illustrations that are inspired by the lines from the poem on the page. My kids didn’t understand all of the poetry excerpts, but they enjoyed looking at the wonderful illustrations. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Ashley Bryan’s ABC of African American Poetry

Originally posted on September 4, 2010.