This picture book biography celebrates the life of
Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who was the first African
American to win such a prestigious award.
Growing up in Chicago, Gwendolyn enjoyed nothing
more than to listen to her father’s love of poetry as he read it to her every
night.
At seven years of age, Gwendolyn was putting her own stories into poems.
Drawing upon the colourful clouds and sunsets, the feel of raindrops and the
world in general as it moves around her for inspiration. Crossing her fingers,
Gwendolyn sends four poems to a newspaper, these were printed and for the first
time everyone in her neighbourhood could read her words.
Then The Great Depression arrives and everything in
her world changes overnight. Less money, hardly any food, Gwendolyn tries to
write many more poems in the hope they are published, but her work is
continually rejected. Disillusioned, Gwendolyn retreats into herself all
through high school, never really believing she fits in. Only writing poetry
makes her feel invincible instead of invisible.
After high school Gwendolyn studies poetry at
college, marries her sweetheart and starts a family. All the while taking
whatever odd jobs, she could to earn money and continue writing her poetry,
even when they turn the electricity off for not paying the bills.
How did Gwendolyn turn her passion into prize
winning poetry? How do you measure success when you don’t have enough money to
pay the bills?
This enlightening look into the life of Gwendolyn
Brooks is one we all should read. It gives us insight into a time where winning
wasn’t everything but knowing who you are and embracing your passion is worth
everything.
Title: Exquisite: The Poetry and
Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Author:
Suzanne
Slade
Illustrator: Cozbi A Cabrera
Publisher: Abrams Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: 7 April
2020
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781419734113
For
ages: 5+
Type: Picture Books
