‘The distinguished novelist has culled his personal collection of turn-of-the-century photographs of African-American children and composed the verses that accompany this enchanting selection of youngsters.’ —NYT. ‘A unique celebration of the continuum of human life and of childhood in all its robustness, fragility, and evanescent beauty. . . . An exquisite album. The 42 superbly reproduced black-and-white and sepia prints radiate intensely with the personalities of their subjects.’ —SLJ. ‘The poet, inspired by the photographs, affirms the black experience in a lyrical, tender, and sometimes humorous voice.’ —H.

Notable Children's Books of 1994 (ALA)
1994 Notable Trade Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)
1994 Books for the Teen Age (NY Public Library)
Children's Books of 1993 (Library of Congress)