Langston's Train Ride

by Robert Burleigh, Leonard Jenkins (Illustrator)

Robert Burleigh's inspiring text captures the magical moment when Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a writer, as he first wrote "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."

Clackety clack clack clack...
Can you hear the rhythm of the train?
Langston Hughes did. Traveling to see his father in 1920, as he listened to the sounds of the train -- metal on metal, wheels on rails -- Hughes's imagination took flight. On that ride, he was inspired to write his first famous poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers."
This picture book tells the story of Langston Hughes's rise to accomplishing his dream of being a writer. With bold, striking illustrations by Leonard Jenkins, here is a book for any young person with a dream.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Biography, Childrens, Nonfiction, African American, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Over the past 35 years, I have published poems, reviews, essays, many filmstrips and videos, and more than 40 children's picture books.

Born and raised in Chicago, I graduated from DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana) and later received an MA in humanities from the University of Chicago. I've published books for children since the early 1990s. My books - including numerous unpublished ones! - run a broad gamut, from stories geared for pre-schoolers to survival stories and biographies aimed at seven to eleven-year-olds. My work is wide-ranging because, basically, I'm a generalist by experience - and inclination!

In addition to writing, I paint regularly under the art name Burleigh Kronquist and have shown work in one-person and group shows in Chicago, New York, and elsewhere around the country.

-from robertburleigh.com

Reviews

[Denise Lauron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poem written about writing poems on a train ride. It was musical and the illustrations are great. I originally picked up the book for Black History Month, but I hadn't gotten around to reading it until now. I truly enjoyed it.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm madly scribbling words down now, rapidly one after another. (Poems are like rainbows, don't you think? They escape if you're not quick!)"

This is the story of Langston Hughes' train ride to visit his father in 1920 where he was inspired to write one of his most famous poems "The Negro Speaks of Rivers". It is also the moment he began to believe in himself as a writer.

Imaginative and striking, Leonard Jenkins' illustrations transport you through a young Langston's journey with his bold strokes and haunting facial expressions. It's as if Hughes is boring into your soul with his determined gaze.

Equally as stunning is Robert Burleigh's ability to bring the reader inside Langston's emotions as he discovers his inspiration for this iconic work of American literature.

Langston Hughes is probably my favorite poet of all time. When I took African American literature in college, I remember Hughes' writing being the most vivid and empathetic of the writers we studied. As a white woman of privilege, I can't claim to understand the plight of African Americans in our country. Hughes helped me to view this plight with empathy, compassion, and greater understanding. His writing makes you feel a solidarity with our African American brethren and ignites a desire for deference and contrition.

This picture book stirs up those same emotions in me as Hughes' poems themselves. As Tom Stoppard once said about words: "If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little." Writers like Langston Hughes were able to do that with their words and books like this that pay such reverent homage to one such man should be commended and celebrated.

[Lisbeth Solberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good tie-in to his poetry. It relates a story of how Hughes wrote one of his earliest poems (and alludes to others).

[Danielle Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Langston takes a train ride to see his father and his imagination begins play! Also a great book to introduce Langston Hughes during the Jazz Age

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story recalls the details of the moment Langston Hughes came to believe in himself as a poet by writing "The Negro Speaks of Rivers".

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells of when Lnagston Hughe's thought of himself as a writer. Is very inspiring for your writers!

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw the title of this book, but didn't notice the author, I thought is was a short biography of Langston Hughes himself. Instead, it is written by Robert Burleigh. It is about Langston Hughes' inspirational train ride in the 1920's. While traveling by rail to visit his father who was living in Mexico, Langston Hughes became so inspired when the train crossed the Mississippi River that he wrote his first famous poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." This book very briefly describes Hughes' thoughts as the lines of the poem came to him and he jotted them down on an envelope of a letter he had with him. The book closes with the poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." The Leonard Jenkins' illustration throughout the book, including the book jacket, are colorful and vibrant.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alyson Beecher recommended this title to me and I am so glad she did. Messages of believing in one's self and the power of public affirmation of the budding writer come through in this book about a train ride an eighteen-year-old Langston Hughes took to Mexico to meet his father. While crossing the Mississippi, Langston is inspired to write down three words: I've known rivers."

What a wonderful book to share with students in preparation for Black History Month, a new unit on the Harlem Renaissance, or as an introduction to Hughes's poetry. However and whenever you choose to share this book with younger readers, be sure to hit that affirmation that comes from within and without when we take the time to write down our thoughts and dreams.

[Bridgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grade/interest level: Primary
Reading level: AD690L
Genre: Historical Fiction
Main Characters: Langston Hughes
Setting: Harlem Renaissance
POV: Langston

This picture book tells the story of Langston Hughes and his internal thoughts about how he wrote "The Negro Speaks Rivers" as he rode the train to meet his father.

This is a great book to teach kids how good writers think and how they make connections from their experiences and their writing. It's also a good biography piece for Langston Hughes. I don't know if I'd directly use this book in class, but I'd definitely have it on my shelf and have it displayed for a poetry unit or authors study.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hughes wrote the poem when he was 18???? Here I was going to elaborate how the art of this book is so much better than Malcolm X: A Fire Burning Brightly and then I realize it is the same artist. Of course this one was published 4 years later than other, so maybe he responded to feedback, or evolved style. Maybe part of the design that I like (bright pages for text) wasn't part of his contribution. No matter, this book really uplifted me (with its use of color) while still conveying the hardship and journey of black man. Maybe I also like the focus on the time of inspiration and the jazz language. While a book about a poet, it is very musical.

[Ch_kendrachristo · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "Langston's Train Ride", author Robert Burleigh captures the moment that Langston Hughes realizes he is a poet. The story is told as Hughes flashes back to a train ride he takes past the Mississippi River. It is as he passes that river that something stirs inside of him. He thinks about what the river and many other rivers mean to his people. Read "Langston's Train Ride" and get caught up in Hughes journey of self-discovery. I recommend it for grades three and up.

[Kris Odahowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burleigh introduces young readers to Langston Hughes as a young man who knew he was a writer. Creating a place and time for the creation of one of Hughes most famous poems the author gives us a chance to see Hughes in action as a poet while he takes what is inside and what is outside and merges the two into a meaning that can be communicated. This book would be a great complement to a great migration and Harlem Renaissance study. This book is available for check out at the Gadsden County Public Library.

[Chris Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the way to a poetry reading, Hughes remembers a train ride to meet his father in Mexico where he was inspired to write The Negro Speaks of Rivers and realized that he was destined to become a poet. I wasn't a fan of the illustrations. The writer assumes the first person voice of Hughes and it doesn't quite work for me. But I am a fan of Hughes and I appreciate the opportunity this book presents to introduce his work to a younger audience.

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've often bought books such as this and expected that it would be pulled out at "special" times (e.g., poetry month, black history month), but as I read this book out loud to myself (for some reason it cried to be read aloud), I found myself wanting to share this with students of every age. So much voice comes through and envelopes the reader, so much so that I felt myself picking up a bit of a slang as I read it. Interesting.

[Bailey Bundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Langston's Train Ride" is a beautiful book full of poetry and artwork that go together perfectly. When reading this book, I gained a better understanding of the famous African American poet Langston Hughes and learned more about his process in writing his most famous poem "The Negro Speaks of Rivers". This is a high quality children's book and can be used as a great teaching tool. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells about the train ride experience of Langston Hughes that led to the writing of A Negro Speaks of Rivers. This would be such a great book to use when sharing the picture illustrated by E.B. Lewis. It would also fit well with I, Too am America. These three together would be pretty incredible as they all deal with Langston Hughes' realization that he was a poet - that he too could "sing America."

[Monalisa Johnson-brown]

This is about Langston who was one of America's greatest poet. He was born in Missouri but grew up in many different places. He was a very good writer who expressed himself and even was apart of the Black American Literary movement. He stood up for what is right and just. This is a good book for JUSTICE.

[Rachel]

Great book to use during the roaring 20's and poetry. Langston Hughes' was a great Harlem Renaissance poet. He wrote this poem on the train to his father's ranch in Mexico, at the age of 18! It is a beautiful, rhythmic poem about his journey and African American history.

[Julian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The colorful images appeases eyes. It's a playful book to engage students in a read-aloud; especially when teaching the roaring 20's. You will take a poetic journey with Langston Hughes as he sets out at age 18 to locate his father. Grades 2-5

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pictures were beautiful. An easy read.

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous book!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one will tie in nicely with my plans for a literacy cafe about the Harlem Renaissance. Focus of the book on Langston Hughes' inspiration for The Negro Speaks of Rivers

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful book!

[Miss Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

PYP UOI Every Life Has a Story

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

With bold mixed-media illustrations by Leonard Jenkins, Robert Burleigh tells of Langston's first glimpse, acknowledgment of himself as a poet. He's young and on his way on a train to Mexico to visit his father. On that ride, he crosses rivers, particularly notices the beautiful Mississippi, the one Abe Lincoln traveled on a raft, "all the way to New Orleans, where he saw a slave auction and learned to hate slavery." He begins to imagine what this river, and others, mean to his people, and words rush in. Those three words, "I've known rivers", written fast on an envelope and followed by others, became one of his most famous poems. The story goes back and forth between this memory and Langston's journey to a party of celebration, for his first book of poetry. It's a lovely story, one that would be terrific to share as an introduction to this great poet.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the moment Langston Hughes was inspired to write his famous poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." It takes us through his poignant thoughts on a train ride with vivid images and language to bring this moment in history to life. The book ends with the poem, and would be an excellent addition to a poetry unit.

Instructional suggestions: diversity, poetry, figurative language, alliteration, simile, onomatopoeia, imagery, voice, diction, tone, mood
Genres: nonfiction, biography

[Sammy Santos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hook:
This picture book uses beautiful art and an unexpected rhythm to depict Langston's train ride to Mexico to visit his father, who left when he was very young. Langston is young, just getting out of high school, is extremely cheerful and upbeat. He thinks of his family, his neighborhood, all of the things that have taken care of him. He understands the lives of the people before him and he writes his poems with this love for his people.

Three word description:
Uplifting and joyful
Historical understanding
Beautifully captured moments

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Something deep inside me stirs. I feel more awake than I’ve ever been before.”

On a train trip to see his father, Langston Hughes is inspired by the Mississippi River and begins to write one of his most famous poems. The idea starts with three words: I’ve known rivers. That day, Langston finds his voice and discovers that he can “sing of my America, too, as other great poets have sung theirs.”

It is described as “a historic retelling” of the event, bu I would have liked to see a bibliography of resources and an author’s note as to where license may have been taken.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book far exceeded my expectations. I hoped to like it, learn a little about Langston Hughes’ younger years, and read one of his poems. Instead I found the story inspiring and extremely moving.

[Rolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, and a great way to introduce kids to Langston Hughes through the history of one of his best poems.