Finding Langston
Lesa Cline-Ransome, Author
Holiday House, Fiction, Aug. 14, 2018
Pages: 108
Suitable for Ages: 8-12
Themes: Loss, Single-parent families, Moving, Bullying, Poetry, the Great Migration, Chicago, History
Opening: “Never really thought much about Alabama’s red dirt roads, but now, all I can think about is kicking up their dust.”
Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Langston is a long way from Alabama. After his mother dies in 1946, and he and his father move to Chicago’s Bronzeville. Langston must leave behind everything that he cherishes — his family, friends, Grandma’s Sunday suppers, the red clay and the magnolia trees his mama loved so much. He misses the slow pace of life at home and how he could take his time walking home before he starts his chores.
Bronzeville is noisy. Their kitchenette apartment is just a lonely room with two beds, a table and chairs and a hot plate. Dinner is what daddy brings home and throws into a pot. At night, the sounds are loud. People talk loudly on stoops, music blares from radios, and huge rats run down the hallways. At school, Langston is teased for being too country and three boys bully him after school. But his new home has something his old home didn’t have: the George Cleveland Hall Library that welcomes the community, black and white.
The library becomes a refuge from the bullies and a place where Langston joyfully discovers another Langston, a poet whose words are powerful and speak to him of home. With the help of a kind librarian, he reads all of Langston Hughes’ poetry, discovers the power of words and is transported. A neighbor, who is a teacher, also introduces Langston to other black poets. Through poetry Langston begins to understand his mother, uncovers one of her secrets and finds healing through his namesake.
Why I like this book:
There is so much beauty in Lesa Cline-Ransome’s coming of age novel. Langston will melt your heart as he deals with loss and loneliness, and struggles to find his voice through words and poetry. It is an inspiring story that is relevant today.
The story also gives readers insight into the Great Migration of black families in search of better jobs in larger cities, like Chicago and New York. They leave behind a slower-paced life and close family relationships, to live in sub-standard housing in noisy, concrete cities.
The chapters are short, the narrative is strong and the writing is lyrical. The plot is compelling and there are themes that will spark important discussions among teens and adults. This is an important book to add to any classroom curriculum.
Favorite lines: Langston’s first visit to a public library.
I trace the letters on the covers of each and stop. One has my name. I pull it out and open to the first page.
I pick up my life
And take it with me
And I put it down in
Chicago, Detroit,
Buffalo, Scranton.
Feels like reading words from my heart. (Pg. 21-22)
Lesa Cline-Ransome is best known for her award-winning picture books. Her most recent book, Before She Was Harriet, is illustrated by her husband, James Ransome, received six starred reviews, a Christopher Award, a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration, and a nomination for a NAACP Image Award. Finding Langston is her first novel. Visit the author at her website.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Reviewed from library copy.
Moving from the country to the city would be difficult for most children. Sounds like a wonderful story of learning to accept changes that life throws kids. Another one to add to the list.
LikeLike
It is such a beautiful story about a boy finding himself. In the south there were no libraries for Langston. In the north he found solace in libraries. Great insight into how African-American families made the adjustment to larger cities during the Great Migration.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m looking forward to reading this one. Libraries are a refuge for so many (and in so many ways). Wonderful review, Pat!
LikeLike
Thank you, Robin! I really loved this story. Beautifully writtern.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy novels set in the past and this one has a lot of heart. Langston’s connection with the library and poetry have me hooked. Thanks for sharing and I’ve added it to my TBR list.
LikeLike
Langston’s story is all about heart. This is a story to savor. The language is beautiful.
LikeLike
Dangit, Patricia, don’t know you that my “To Read” pile is too tall as it is?
LikeLike
There are times that I feel the same way. But, this story is exceptional. And, you like history.
LikeLike
Thanks for the review! This looks fabulous!
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting. I am glad you enjoyed this book. It is so beautifully written and full of heart.
LikeLike
This sounds absolutely lovely, both in the beautifully-wrought language and the illuminating art. Langston Hughes has long been one of my favorite poets and I will be sure to read this wonderful biography.
LikeLike
It is so beautifully written. You will enjoy how Langston Hughes poetry helps another young Langston find himself.
LikeLike
Nice review! I also found the Great Migration setting of this book very interesting. And you have to love a character who loves libraries!
LikeLike
I’m delighted that you loved this book!
LikeLike
Thanks for introducing me to this book. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of it before. It sounds great and it would make a wonderful addition to my school library. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
LikeLike
I am delighted that you want to share it with your school library. It really is a gem.
LikeLike
Sounds like a really great read. I can almost see the setting from your description.
LikeLike
It is a beautiful story about a boy finding himself.
LikeLike
What a lovely book! I’m highly intrigued by the poetic connection to Langston’s mother, and love that he finds himself in the library. Thanks for the review–I’ll be checking this one out!
LikeLike
It is a beautiful story about a boy finding himself in his new home of Chicago. Very poetic.
LikeLike
I loved this one as well. Glad to see it getting noticed. Thanks for the post.
LikeLike
I couldn’t remember who recommended this book. Your post inspired me to check it out. Thank you!
LikeLike
I’m really looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for this review.
LikeLike
It is such a beautiful story! Hope you enjoy reading Finding Langston.
LikeLike
I love the sample you included! Sounds like a great book. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Those were the first poetic words that Langston read when he stumbled across a book in the library. It really spoke to him!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have heard so many good things about this book! definitely need to grab myself a copy,
LikeLike
I hope you get a copy! Adults will find it timely.
LikeLike
I appear to have missed this post! What a beautiful book. Am adding it to my TBR list right now. Thank you!
LikeLike
Yes, I think you would enjoy Finding Langston! One of my favorites this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person