Harlem: A Poem (Caldecott Honor Book)

Scholastic Press, 1997. Hardcover. Unpaginated, 29 pages. 12.25 x 9.5 inches. Later printing. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket. Seals of Caldecott Honor Book and of Coretta Scott King Award. Accompanied by unopened cassette recording of the poem narrated by Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee with music by Wayne Abravenel. Cassette was issued by Spoken Arts, a division of Scholastic Press. Book and CD recording in clear plastic bag with handles with title 'Spoken Arts' on bag cover.

They took the road in Waycross Georgia / Skipped over the tracks in East St. Louis / Took the bus from Holly Springs / Hitched a ride from Gee's Bend / Took the long way through Memphis / The third deck down from Trinidad / A wrench of the heart from Goree Island / A wrench of the heart from Goree Island / To a place called Harlem. So begins this exquisite poem about the poet's childhood home. With a few deft strokes, Myers and Myers paint a picture of a cradle of American culture. The text calls on all Walter's powers as a narrative writer, a poet, and historian, as it moves from the ancient history of the people of Harlem, through their traditions of family, home, and religion, to their turn of the century Renaisaance and their contemporary despairs, joys, and hopes. A truly remarkable book.