REMEMBER THE BRIDGE: POEMS OF A PEOPLE

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Weatherford, Carole Boston. 2002. REMEMBER THE BRIDGE: POEMS OF A PEOPLE. New York: Philomel books. ISBN 0399237267.

PLOT SUMMARY

The book covers four hundred years of African American history though poems by Weatherford and etchings and photographs that she collected over time.  The poems focus on unknown heroes such as slaves, sharecroppers and cowboys as well as famous heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Weatherford’s powerful words create imagery of persecution and perseverance.  It begins with the the capture of slaves in Africa, and ends with the powerful poem, The Bridge, encouraging all to know the past and affect the future.  The poems are accompanied by photographs and etching that Weatherford collected which enhance the power of her words.  Some poems like On the Auction Block remind the reader of a tragic past and evoke strong emotions when a baby is torn from his mother’s arms as she is sold away and “…tears bead up on her cheeks. Warm milk streams down her bare chest.”  This poem is accompanied by an etching were slaves are weeping next to the auction block as their families are torn away, as the plantation owners socialize and bid on their family members. 

Other poems celebrate African American heroes such as The Mother of the Movement (For Rosa Parks) which ends with “In her soil of her heart, the movement takes root, seeds of change blossom, then bear fruit.”  These rhythm of the poems creates a serious tone for these informative poems.  The photographs and etchings give students an authentic view into the past. The poems tell a story of a people that should be available in the library for all kids to discover

REVIEW EXERPTS

Booklist (February 15, 2002)- “The stories of basket weavers, family farmers, cowboys, Civil War soldiers, quilt makers, and cooks are celebrated along with those of more famous figures in African American history in this powerful collection of poems that implores readers to learn and remember the past.”

School Library Journal (January 01, 2002)- “…this celebratory, visually striking book will be appreciated in most collections.”

Kirkus Reviews (December 01, 2001)- “This is a collection for every library, offering all readers a bridge toward understanding and acceptance.”

CONNECTIONS

• Read aloud during Black History Month as students learn about famous African American heroes.

• Pair with books about heroes mentioned such as Caldecott Honor Book, Rosa by Nikki Giovanni, or the Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award winner Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport.

• Have older children create their own photo essay with accompanying poems.