librarianlizreads's review against another edition

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4.0

So beautiful. The artwork, the poems, the honor.

zaporiah's review

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5.0

catching me

I love this. Mid-wives and doulas(of all kind) are becoming more and more in use today after having been nearly wiped out due to pressure being put on women to use other individuals when it came to the care of their bodies and babies. Women are now returning to our first caregivers before or mothers and I am so glad. Wonderful book and wonderful pictures.

shelbyrosas's review against another edition

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4.0

Beautiful book I’ll buy for my future children.

kellykb's review against another edition

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1.0

Very disappointed. I really thought this would be a book about the early Midwives and their stories but, instead it was mostly a book to showcase Danielle Minter’s artwork ( as beautiful as they are) and a selection of poems with a very brief introduction by Eloise Greenfield...Not what I was expecting at all.

msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition

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5.0

This book needs to win something at the YMA Awards at ALA Midwinter. Holy cow. I sent it to my midwife friend. It's a beautiful homage to midwifery.

Told in poetry form, it follows African American midwives from slavery to now. It's the author's tribute to the woman who "caught" her.

The illustrations were not my favorite. I think I will need to do a reread so I can capture the story they are trying to tell. However, the words are what I love most. It's raw in its storytelling. It is lovely at the same time.

joghansah's review against another edition

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informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

5.0

snazel's review against another edition

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5.0

Beautiful illustrations and poems dealing with some very tough subjects in an age-appropriate way.

sssnoo's review against another edition

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4.0

Beautifully illustrated, both the artwork and the photographs. The text is iffy as a picture book, but for older kids or anyone interested in birth and midwifery it is a must-have for the collection.

kbbru's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

cynthiasreadinglist's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations. I loved the intricate geometric patterns that surrounded the women and babies on each page. The writing is informative, tender/soft, and proud with loving poetry spanning generations to tell the story of these important women. Highly recommend.

I appreciated the context at the beginning to frame the poems. This provides caregivers with knowledge and further resources with the bibliography to answer any kid's questions. I could totally envision this as a favorite book for kids interested in history, how the world works, and science. The photographs included also reinforce the reality of this magical book. These women exist, they look like women today, they mattered, and they were pivotal in many still-alive people today (starting with the author!!) Just lovely all around.