retrieved from www.christianbook.com on  March 29, 2013

Remember the Bridge: Poems of a People

Written and Compiled by: Carole Boston Weatherford

Published by: Philomel Books

Year: 2002

ISBN: 0399237267

Critical Analysis:

Using a combination of photographs, archival engravings and strongly rhythmic poetry, Weatherford creates a moving and powerful timeline of African American history. Beginning with Mother Africa Speaks to Civilization the author writes of the call of Mother Africa for her children to remember where they came from. This free verse poem reminds them that they are her favorite, her pride, and yet she tells them:

           

                                                I let you go out into the world,

                                                for I knew-as well as I know you-

                                                that you would do great things Weatherford, p. 2).

Remember the Bridge as well as many of the author’s other poems contain strong rhythms and a rhyming pattern that lends itself to choral reading, musical accompaniment and movement.

                                                Forget not the glory

                                                of Africa’s past,

                                                the temples and riches

                                                that to this day last: ….

                                                The journey continues,

                                                the bridge still holds strong,

                                                hand reach across water,

                                                hearts sing a new song (Weatherford, p. 9).

From the sorrow of On the Auction Block the author moves through African American history to include the everyday life stories found in Family Farm and Miss Mae’s Quilt, to the rise to greatness of The Contralto; from the pain of Jake’s Plea to the triumph of The Explorers. In conclusion, Weatherford’s

I Am The Bridge reminds the reader of the greatness of the human spirit as she writes:

                                                I stand with valiant soldiers

                                                who claim the victory

                                                and jump in jubilation

                                                with slaves at long last free (Weatherford, p. 50).

An author’s note at the end of the book describes her personal journey and lends an added touch to this inspiring piece of literature. The photo and illustration credits invite the reader to conduct their own research into African-American history.

Awards:

American Association of University Women Award for Juvenile Literature, 2002, Winner United States

Notable Children’s books in the Language Arts, 2003, NCTE Children’s Literature Assembly; United States

Teacher’s Choices, 2003; International Reading Association; United States

Connections:

History Connections: Excellent choice for African-American History Month: read an excerpt each day and create a wall sized timeline of the events written about in this book.

Music Connection: Have each student choose a poem and find music that they feel fits the poem. Encourage them to utilize African or African-American musicians and music.

Art Connections: Have students research African and African-American art forms and then have each student choose a poem and create artwork to coincide with their chosen poem.