Module 15: And Tango makes Three

Book summary: Three penguins come together to create a beautiful, inspiring, and non-traditional family in the Central Park Zoo, NY.

APA Reference of book: Richardson, J., Parnell, P., & Cole, H. (2005). And Tango makes three. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Impressions: This was such an endearing story with a thoughtful piece behind it. I loved the simplicity of the illustrations and how the text told the story of two penguins starting a non-traditional family. The characters were very expressive and evoked authentic emotions from the reader. I love that this story was inspired by true events and that the author invites the reader to learn more about Tango and his family at the Central Park Zoo. Happiness can come in many different forms, and this book certainly captures that spirit.

Professional Review: “Tango has two daddies in this heartwarming tale, inspired by actual events in New York's Central Park Zoo. Two male penguins, Roy and Silo, "did everything together. They bowed to each other.... They sang to each other. And swam together. Wherever Roy went, Silo went too.... Their keeper... thought to himself, 'They must be in love.' " Cole's (The Sissy Duckling ) endearing watercolors follow the twosome as they frolic affectionately in several vignettes and then try tirelessly to start a family—first they build a stone nest and then they comically attempt to hatch a rock. Their expressive eyes capture a range of moods within uncluttered, pastel-hued scenes dominated by pale blue. When the keeper discovers an egg that needs tending, he gives it to Roy and Silo, who hatch and raise the female. The keeper says, "We'll call her Tango,... because it takes two to make a Tango." Older readers will most appreciate the humor inherent in her name plus the larger theme of tolerance at work in this touching tale. Richardson and Parnell, making their children's book debut, ease into the theme from the start, mentioning that "families of all kinds" visit the zoo. This tender story can also serve as a gentle jumping-off point for discussions about same-sex partnerships in human society. Ages 4-8.”

Reference

[Review of the book And Tango makes three by J. Richardson et al]. (2005 June 16). Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-689-87845-9.

Library Uses: I would create a book display featuring alternative or non-traditional families with this in the center. Some adults may be hesitant to teach their children about same-sex couples raising children, but I think illustrating this concept using animals is a great alternative. This could also turn into a history lesson, as the book is inspired by true events. I would read this book as part of a “Rainbow Family” storytime session and I would highlight this book as part of a PRIDE Month display.

Module 14: Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices

Book summary: A collection of poetry from different community members during the heyday of Harlem, New York. Take a peek into the lives of different people from different backgrounds as they come together to share the story of their hometown.

APA Reference of book: Myers, W.D. (2004). Here in Harlem: Poems in many voices. New York, NY: Holiday House.

Impressions: I really enjoyed the concept of this collection: different community members of varying ages and jobs all share their experience about living in Harlem, NY. I especially loved “Clara Brown’s Testimony” sprinkled throughout the collection, and ending with her very own poem. Myers created such unique voices with each of his characters, and the historical photographs added authenticity to the overall tone of the book.

Professional Review: “In nearly 60 poems, Myers (145th Street) treats readers to a tour of Harlem's past and present, its hopes and fears, through the voices of narrators young and old. Together they create a pastiche of the community's fixtures, the church ("Wake up Lazurus! Wake up Paul! / Wake the congregation and lift their hearts"), the barber shop for men, the hairdresser for women ("My mouth is sealed, you don't even see a crack, / 'Cause I ain't the kind to talk behind nobody's back"), rent parties (where people gathered to eat, drink and to help the host pay the rent) and Sylvia's restaurant. "Clara Brown's Testimony," parts I-IV provides a continuity through the collected impressions, as she describes her love for Harlem, through heartbreak (when she and her sister do not make the Cotton Club chorus line, she's told it's because her skin is too dark: "That was the day I learned that being black wasn't no simple thing, even in Harlem") and more often joy. Myers offers differing perspectives on milestone events such as Jackie Robinson joining the Dodgers, as well as subjects closer to home, such as young love, or a pairing of poems by a father and his drug-addict daughter. Another especially moving cluster of poems rotates among three WWII vets from the 369th Infantry, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," one of them blinded by a Southern sheriff after the war, on their way home. And Harlem is indeed home, to all of the people who give voice to its pains and pleasures. Readers will want to visit again and again. Ages 12-up.”

Reference

[Review of the book Here in Harlem: Poems in many voices by W.D. Myers]. (2004 November 15). Publisher’s Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-8234-1853-4.

Library Uses: I would feature this book as part of National Poetry Month (April) or as an introduction to a poetry unit at school. It demonstrates one author’s ability to create unique and individual voices for different characters and provides for a great discussion opportunity.