Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance
on Goodreads (644)
What’s inside...
In Legacy, Nikki Grimes explores the voices and visions of female poets of the Harlem Renaissance, a movement that sparked a cultural and artistic explosion in the African American community during the 1920s and 1930s. Through a series of original poems and creative responses, Grimes both celebrates and re-envisions the work of these influential poets, offering a bridge between the past and present for young readers. From Children's Literature Legacy Award-winning author Nikki Grimes comes a feminist-forward new collection of poetry celebrating the little-known women poets of the Harlem Renaissance--paired with full-color, original art from today's most talented female African-American illustrators.
Age
10-14
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do the poems in the book make you feel and why do you think that is?
Can you pick one poet from the book and tell me more about her story and what challenges she might have faced?
What are some common themes you notice across the poems and why are they important?
How do the illustrations complement the poems? Do they change how you understand the poem’s message?
If you could ask any of the poets a question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem, promoting a deep, personal connection with the material.
Highlight the historical context of the Harlem Renaissance before starting the book to provide a backdrop that will enrich their understanding of the poems.
Discuss the significance of each poet's background and achievements to instill a sense of inspiration and resilience.
Use the illustrations as a visual aid to discuss symbolism and themes, asking your child to interpret what they see and how it relates to the poem’s message.
After reading, ask your child to create their own short poem inspired by one of the poets, encouraging creativity and personal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment through expression
Explanation: The book presents a curated collection of poems by women poets of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing their voices in a time when they were often marginalized.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-expression and find empowerment in using their voices, encouraging them to participate in arts and share their own stories.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: By reading the works of women poets from the Harlem Renaissance, children gain insights into the cultural and societal issues of that era.
Real-World Application: This understanding fosters empathy and a deeper appreciation for history and the struggles of those who came before, promoting open discussions about social issues within their own communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The poets featured in the book faced significant challenges during the Harlem Renaissance but continued to write and express themselves.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these examples of resilience to their personal lives, learning to persevere through difficulties in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Recognizing diversity
Explanation: The anthology celebrates diversity by highlighting the unique voices and experiences of African American women poets.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity, understanding the value of multiple perspectives and the strength that comes from inclusivity.