I, too, am American

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Bibliography
Hughes, L., Collier, B., & Linn, L. (2012). I, too, am America. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Plot Summary
This picture book uses vibrant illustrations to retell a poem by Langston Hughes. It tells the story of porters and the injustices they experienced. It shows how they did the best out of it and found a way to give back to their community. It tells a story of hope for a better future.
Critical Analysis
This picture book demonstrates African Americans wanting to be treated with equality and respect as others through a poem by Langston Hughes. It helps children understand how things were back then through pictures. It represents the hope individuals had for acceptance, a part of our history that impacted African American culture. The poem is retold in power illustrations that show African Americans in a setting which they were placed by society. It portrays the bravery and strength of African Americans that wanted change and had to endure many things along the way. In the story African Americans would work as porters on trains and collected items that were left behind and disperse knowledge on their journey. It was a job that allowed African Americans to make an honest living. As the story progresses we see the journey of the train change from south to north and past to present.
There are few words in each page, but the illustrations speak volumes. One can see porters as they gather papers, magazines, and other objects to throw off the end of the train to those less fortunate. The book has a message that one day there will be equality and unity. Overlay of the flag over an African American boy symbolizes that change is happening. This simple picture book weaves past with present that will let readers see a different perspective of the struggle of African Americans.
Review Excerpts
Kirkus Review, “A brilliant visual association between Hughes’ poem and the history of the Pullman porters illuminates a chapter of American history…”
Goodreads Review, “The poetic wisdom of Langston Hughes merges with visionary illustrations from Bryan Collier in this inspirational picture book that carries the promise of equality.”
Connections
Students can write an essay on the message of the poem.
Other related books:
Pinkney, Andrea Davis. Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down. ISBN 9780316070164

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