"HOLD FAST TO DREAMS / For if dreams die / Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly."
The Dream Keeper, the gr... read full description
The Dream Keeper, the gr... read full description
reviews
Dec 05, 2009
earthy
rated it: 
A collection of poems about hope, dreams, and African-American heritage.
This edition includes black and white scratchboard illustrations by Brian Pinkey which add to the dream-like quality of the writing. The movement of the scratched-out white lines stands in contrast to the black background ink. Images are small, generally appearing just above or below a single poem. Some take up an entire adjacent page.
The poems are short, conversational, and down-to-earth, relayin More...
This edition includes black and white scratchboard illustrations by Brian Pinkey which add to the dream-like quality of the writing. The movement of the scratched-out white lines stands in contrast to the black background ink. Images are small, generally appearing just above or below a single poem. Some take up an entire adjacent page.
The poems are short, conversational, and down-to-earth, relayin More...
Feb 17, 2011
Kayla
rated it: 
This was my favorite poetry book when I was little. I must have checked it out at least six times from my elementary school library. "Hold Fast to Dreams" was the first poem I had ever memorized (just called "Dreams" in this edition) and was asked to recite in front of my 3rd grade class. There are many poems in this collection that will always hold special memories for me (particularly those in the Dream Keeper section).
"Hold Fast to Dreams"
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"Hold Fast to Dreams"
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Feb 07, 2012
Lauren
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The Dream Keeper and other poems by Langston Hughes was not a book i would read to students. It had some interesting poems that were very descriptive and surreal. It also had many poems that focused on religion such as "Feet o' Jesus" which i don't think is appropriate for school settings. Many of the poems focused on racial issues, nature and sea, and imagination. I might pick and choose a couple poems i thought were good to read aloud but i would not have this book available on my sh
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Dec 09, 2009
Stephene
rated it: 
6th-12th grades
Hughes once again astounds the reader with his powerful and eloquent language. Pinkney's scratchboard pencil illustrations bring the characters in Hughes' poems to life and add depth and character to the already human/character defining language. Young readers will be inspired by the pieces and see the journey African-Americans have traveled to be in the place they are today. Text is rich but approachable for middle schoolers and the messages of strength, passional and su More...
Hughes once again astounds the reader with his powerful and eloquent language. Pinkney's scratchboard pencil illustrations bring the characters in Hughes' poems to life and add depth and character to the already human/character defining language. Young readers will be inspired by the pieces and see the journey African-Americans have traveled to be in the place they are today. Text is rich but approachable for middle schoolers and the messages of strength, passional and su More...
Jan 31, 2012
Queen
rated it:
Langston Hughes is my author focus as an introduction to the thematic unit that includes the Harlem Renaissance, the American Dream via immigration, the Civil Rights Movement, and every day heroes. I love his short story, "Thank you, Ma'am," and the poems with southern, black dialect. My favorite and first poem to teach by him is "Mother to Son." He has a fascinating and juicy biography but you don't get all of the background context from this book. I liked the ones about
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Oct 01, 2009
Justin
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I Loved this book it was just kind of a collaboration of a few of langston hughes's poems alot of the poems were very bluesy though like very depressing about lost love,broke,kids and wife left there were just alot of things that were causing people problems back in that time era.
The Dream Keeper
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
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The Dream Keeper
Bring me all of your dreams,
You dreamer,
Bring me all your
Heart melodies
That I may wrap them
In a blue cloud-cloth
Away from the too-rough fingers
More...
Nov 01, 2009
Mateo
rated it:
This book is about different poems that were written by african-americans. The included dreams and love stories and even wishes. Most of the poems were sorrow kind of but some were happy poems. The poems are very elaborate and shows different peoples mood/perspective.
I can relate this to Amari from Copper Sun because they both included stories about their family, friends, journeys, and freedom. Both had different moods that occurred.The poems and Amari both achieved happiness and lo More...
I can relate this to Amari from Copper Sun because they both included stories about their family, friends, journeys, and freedom. Both had different moods that occurred.The poems and Amari both achieved happiness and lo More...
Feb 09, 2012
j.e.glaze
rated it:
This is one of Hughes' earliest books of poetry, and thus is geared mainly for young readers. Still, I enjoyed it. Each poem is simply beautiful, carefully crafted, and thoughtful.
The best of these pieces, to me, are in the final section. The poem entitled "Mother to Son" is breathtaking. Absolutely.
j.
The best of these pieces, to me, are in the final section. The poem entitled "Mother to Son" is breathtaking. Absolutely.
j.
Jan 19, 2011
Imani
rated it:
I Love Love Love poetry. Reciting it, listening to it and Langston Hughes has made poetry for me even more exciting. This book has some of his greatest poems and tales which I love reading over and over again because its just so rich and beautiful like music I canted get enough of his work.
Dec 15, 2009
Joharis
rated it:
wow this book is so good if you like poerty than this is your book i love it my favorite one is "dream" i love it and i preformed it in a poerty slam at my school KIPP ACADEMY LYNN CHARTER SCHOOL or as we call it KIPP LYNN i love this book so much thank you reading this book and i give it a 5 star ***** thank you ........
Jan 14, 2009
Jennifer
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I learned that there is different kinds of poems and that the points that don't ryhme at all are the ones that have the most impact on you because you not trying to make it rhyme all your doing is writing what you feel.
Sep 05, 2011
Mohamed
rated it:
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow
Nov 19, 2009
NS - Cami
rated it:
Appropriate 6-8, 66 poems, selected to celebrate African American experience. Love, joy, winter, dreams, death, sadness, sorrow, pride, music, dance. Brilliant.
Jul 29, 2009
Sarahjeanne
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Poetry: Great collection of Langston Hughes poems on a variety of topics. Dreams, joy, beggars, dancing, love, and slaves are all beautifully explored.
Aug 20, 2008
Stephen
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!!! SCHOOL READING FROM SUMMER CLASS CONTINUES!!!
A solid book of poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Although it's marketed for children, Hughes really pulls no punches, especially towards the end. While the poetry starts with slow, gentle lullaby's, the collection ends with such angry, empowered poems as 'I Too Sing America' and 'Mother to Son'. Hughes is a powerhouse of a poet, and I'd recommend this book to anyone: to those interested in American History, to those interested in Po More...
A solid book of poetry from the Harlem Renaissance. Although it's marketed for children, Hughes really pulls no punches, especially towards the end. While the poetry starts with slow, gentle lullaby's, the collection ends with such angry, empowered poems as 'I Too Sing America' and 'Mother to Son'. Hughes is a powerhouse of a poet, and I'd recommend this book to anyone: to those interested in American History, to those interested in Po More...
Sep 03, 2009
Maziel
rated it:
This book was about the devastating days of discrimination and racism with African American. Langston Hughes meant to write The Dream Keeper to show the great pride of his culture/race.I feel like this book has really taught people how to respect other human beings nationality, while langston taught them a lesson of showing friendship to others. Even though I may not have understood many of the poems I feel like this book is special and unique.
Jul 19, 2010
Maughn
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Ostensibly written for children, these poems are troubling and inspiring for people of any age.
Feb 06, 2012
Erik
rated it:
After Many Springs
Now,
In June,
When the night is a vast softness
Filled with blue stars,
And broken shafts of moon-glimmer
Fall upon the earth,
Am I too old to see the fairies dance?
I cannot find them any more.
Now,
In June,
When the night is a vast softness
Filled with blue stars,
And broken shafts of moon-glimmer
Fall upon the earth,
Am I too old to see the fairies dance?
I cannot find them any more.
Jun 06, 2008
Bettina
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Probably bought from the Scholastic book catalog things they used to give you in elementary school. This was how I was introduced to Langston Hughes.
Feb 26, 2008
Kristin
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This is a beautiful book, written specifically for children/youth. It still moves me to tears and laughter every time I pick it up.
Dec 29, 2007
melanie (lit*chick)
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my son brought this book home from school to memorize a poem and I snatched it up. it's just plain lovely.
Nov 30, 2007
MissInformation
rated it:
Lyrical scratchboard illustrations accompany 66 poems, songs and prayers about the American black experience.
Nov 09, 2008
Freya
rated it:
Very beautiful wood-cut illustrations to accompany many favorite Hughes poems. A great find.
