Just like the rest of the novel, Marilyn Nelson touches on historical events occurring in the world. The rhythm of each poem begs to be read aloud, and the reoccurring themes in the book will have readers reading the poems repeatedly to get a new understanding. With each poem a sonnet creating a seemingly symmetrical layout and with a simple style of one poem per page opposite of an either completely blank page or a page that includes a small illustration by Hadley Hooper, the book is visually appealing for readers. Some humorous, some more serious, and some haunting, the tones of the poems in the novel differ, appealing to all readers. Practicing bomb drills, dealing with racism, making new friends with each new move, often being the sole African American in school, and getting called “that name” are memories of this time during her life, which gives readers a new perspective of some of the historical events during this time. Growing up in a military family, her family moves often, and the stories take place across the United States and back again, from in Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, California, New Hampshire, Main, on the road, and in Oklahoma. From toddler to teenager- ages four to fourteen- the poems grow more serious in tone as she starts to realize the gravity of events occurring around her. Summary and Analysis:Ī snapshot of her life growing up in the 50s, Marilyn Nelson writes 50 unrhymed sonnets depicting her life growing up as the daughter of one of the first African American officers in the Airforce.
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