Winner of the Coretta Scott King award as well as the Caldecott, Harlem is a potent description of the Black American experience in this country. Students may not recognize the powerful prose as poetry but the word rhythms sing evoking strong emotional pictures.

Myer's distinctive voice is supported and highlighted by the vivid and energetic pictures of Christopher Myers. Recomended for students K-8 this book is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to share superb literature with their students. Filled with historical names and events children will benefit by reading this book with an adult who can explain the significance of the names and places enumerated throughout these evocative pages.

"Harlem" provides a jumping off point for discussing the immigration experience in America and the policy decisions we make as a country that directly impact our citizens. "Liberty and Justice for all?"

Reviews:

1) Booklist starred (Vol. 93, No. 12 (February 15, 1997)) recommends this book for Young adults. They are expecially taken with the artwork describing its color as "loud enough to be heard". They remark the father is looking back at the black experience through his text as the son looks forward with his glorious pictures. This point had escaped me and made me re-read the book with a new appreciation.

2) Kirkus Review starred (1996)
Comments on the jazz feel of the text. Kirkus is highly complimentary and recommends it be put in the Jazz section of the library. They don't restrict their recommendation to YAs.

Both of these reviews are useful especially Booklist which pointed out the differing viewpoints.