African-American children celebrate black creativity, culture, beauty and so much more in profound and moving original poems created during a writing workshop led by Davida Adedjouma. A brilliant and beautiful book design is distinguished in part by typeface which displays each child's poem so that it can be read in two ways: in it's entirety, or by focusing on key words that are emphasized in a contrasting boldface font: the poem within the poem. Gregorie Christie's acrylic paintings which illustrate the poems are singular, emotionally stirring works of art that resonate deeply. An introduction by Lucille Clifton and brief profiles of each child poet that emphasize interests with which young readers will relate round out this important, unparalleled volume. Honor Book, 1996 CCBC Coretta Scott King Award Discussion: Illustrator (Ages 7-12)