Reviews

Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People by Virginia Hamilton, George Ford, Nikki Giovanni

seeceeread's review against another edition

Both of us use the same raw materials of human relationships to shape our language. • Virginia Hamilton

The poet gives great allusions – Sam Cooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Martha and the Vandellas, Mau Mau. And fabulously affirming statements of Blackness. And models gratitude, especially for her childhood. Altogether, Giovanni challenges readers to stand in self-love while asking how to change the world.

Over the years, I've tried to find great literature for my children that introduces meaningful complements to the books I read. For example, how can we help young people understand Cedric Robinson's thesis in Black Marxism, that the Black radical tradition is marked by constant agitation against – and indeed, fugitivity from – racial capitalism and its violence? First of all, I would need simpler diction. And yet I'm not interested in flattening things with common terms like "fair," when we should be talking about justice. Or "mean" when what we're describing is oppression. Giovanni offers a tool. I look forward to sharing with my children.

If you're also looking, start with IG@/ LiberationThroughReading, an international lireracy project to "cultivate the minds of African youth." The curated lists now feature books in English, Spanish, and French.

pippinthepuffin's review against another edition

I picked this up on a whim at the library as the title caught my eye. I figured i had nothing to lose. Im glad I picked it up as I don’t normally read poetry. My favorites were “Poem for Flora” and “The Funeral of Martin Luther King Jr” 

But death is a slave’s freedom
We seek the freedom of free men

maureen_fox's review against another edition

3.0

The titular poem may now be one of my favorites ever. I will definitely read more of her works.

andersonh92's review against another edition

4.0

Beautiful

jillisawinks's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

royallyreading's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0