Poetry Review: I, Too, Am America By Langston Hughes Illustrated by Bryan Collier

I, Too, Am America By Langston Hughes Illustrated by Bryan Collier

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hughes, Langston. 2012. I, Too, Am America. Ill. by Bryan Collier. NewYork: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-1442420083

2.  SUMMARY

Bryan Collier illustrates the classic poem “I, Too, Am America” written in 1925 by Langston Hughes depicting the challenging work life of a Pullman Porter.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Bryan Collier preludes the poem with an acknowledgement and brief background of the Pullman Porters, a group of African- American men who served wealthy white passengers on luxury trains after slavery legally ended. Given this information, readers are able to dive deeper into the powerful words of Langston Hughes to construct their own meaning. Each couplet from the poem is on its own separate page, allowing the reader to take their time and fully soak in Hughes’ words of inspiration and hope.

Collier’s illustrations depict a mix of modern and 1920’s life, proving that Langston’s words stand the test of time. The deep, rich colors injected with motifs of stars and stripes are a visual stunner. The illustrator’s note in the back of the book explains the use of the stars and stripes motifs, beginning small and ending across whole pages, as a metaphor for the growth of our country and hope for a bright future. Collier’s illustrations give modern meaning to the tried and true message of Langston Hughes’ words: that we are all America.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “It’s a powerful metaphor for looking at African-American history—and the issue of race in America—from the inside out”

SCHOLASTIC: “The poetic wisdom of Langston Hughes merges with visionary illustrations from Bryan Collier in this inspirational picture book that carries the promise of equality.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use this poem as a jumping point into a research project about the lives and hardships of the Pullman Porters.

*Other picture books depicting African-American History illustrated by Bryan Collier:

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport Ill. by Bryan Collier
ISBN: ISBN 978-0-7868-0714-7

Freedom River by Doreen Rappaport Ill. by Bryan Collier

ISBN: 978-0786803507