Can I touch your hair? : poems of race, mistakes, and friendship

cover image

Where to find it

Information & Library Science Library — Juvenile

Call Number
J811 Latham
Status
Available

Authors, etc.

Names:

Summary

Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation.

How can Irene and Charles work together on their fifth grade poetry project? They don't know each other . . . and they're not sure they want to.

Irene Latham, who is white, and Charles Waters, who is Black, use this fictional setup to delve into different experiences of race in a relatable way, exploring such topics as hair, hobbies, and family dinners. Accompanied by artwork from acclaimed illustrators Sean Qualls and Selina Alko (of The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage), this remarkable collaboration invites readers of all ages to join the dialogue by putting their own words to their experiences.

Contents

The poem project : writing partner -- Shoes : shopping with Dad -- Hair : strands -- Church : Sunday service -- Beach day : Beach -- The athlete : horseback riding -- Playground : fresh start -- Ghost : Geography -- Dinner conversation : best and worst -- Forgiveness : Apology -- Officer Brassard : News -- Punishment : punishment -- Sleepover: why Aunt Sarah doesn't go downtown after dark -- The n-bomb : piano lessons -- Bedtime reading : author visit -- Quiet time : blooming flower -- Dear Mrs. Vandenberg.

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