The Blacker the Berry: A Coretta Scott King Award Winner

Black is dazzling and distinctive, like toasted wheat berry bread; snowberries in the fall; rich, red cranberries; and the bronzed last leaves of summer. In this lyrical and luminous poetry collection, Coretta Scott King honorees Joyce Carol Thomas and Floyd Cooper celebrate these many shades of Black beautifully.

Included in Brightly's list of recommended diverse poetry picture books for kids. "Highly recommended for home and school libraries," commented Brightly's Charnaie Gordon. "Each melodic poem eloquently conveys the beauty of different skin tones and complexions. There are also themes of family, traditions, feelings, self-love, and acceptance echoed throughout this book."

"Evocative, colorful poetry. An essential picture book."--Kirkus (starred review)

We are color struck

The way an artist strikes

His canvas with his brush of many hues

Look closely at these mirrors

these palettes of skin

Each color is rich

in its own right

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Amistad Books for Young Readers
Published: 07/01/2008
ISBN: 9780060253752
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 11.58h x 7.84w x 0.39d
Award: Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Coretta Scott King Award - Honor Book
Award: Coretta Scott King Award - Winner

Review Citations: Booklist 05/15/2008 pg. 46
Kirkus Review - Children 06/15/2008 pg. 657
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2008 pg. 498
School Library Journal 08/01/2008 pg. 114
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2008 pg. 604
Kirkus Best Children's Books 11/15/2008 pg. 22
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2009 - Superior,Well Above Average
Multicultural Review 03/01/2009 pg. 75
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/15/2009 pg. 22