Paul Robeson by Eloise Greenfield, illus. George Ford. Before I even get to the book, I'll begin with the author. Whenever I say Eloise Greenfield name its filled with aww, reverence and thanks. The same goes for Virginia Hamilton and Faith Ringgold. I can't even imagine what these authors had to go through to get published. The least I could do is give them the respect they deserve. Now back to the book. Paul Robeson was orignally published in 1975 and awarded a Coretta Scott King Honor. It was re-released this year by LeeandLowBooks Before I read this I only thought of Paul Robeson as an singer/actor. I didn't realize he was a football player, lawyer and activist as well. The Communist Party is mentioned, this is the first time I've since this Party referenced in a children's book. Greenfield has written a wonderful biography about Paul Robeson. Its a great introduction to Robeson for all ages beginning at 6
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Paul Robeson Eloise Greenfield
Paul Robeson by Eloise Greenfield, illus. George Ford. Before I even get to the book, I'll begin with the author. Whenever I say Eloise Greenfield name its filled with aww, reverence and thanks. The same goes for Virginia Hamilton and Faith Ringgold. I can't even imagine what these authors had to go through to get published. The least I could do is give them the respect they deserve. Now back to the book. Paul Robeson was orignally published in 1975 and awarded a Coretta Scott King Honor. It was re-released this year by LeeandLowBooks Before I read this I only thought of Paul Robeson as an singer/actor. I didn't realize he was a football player, lawyer and activist as well. The Communist Party is mentioned, this is the first time I've since this Party referenced in a children's book. Greenfield has written a wonderful biography about Paul Robeson. Its a great introduction to Robeson for all ages beginning at 6
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3 comments:
I won a copy but it hasn't arrived yet. Very excited. Thanks for the review.
Paul Robeson was only a singer and an actor because it was basically the only work he could count on as a black man. He had a law degree but no white secretary could be found who would work for him. As an activist his passport was taken away. He was screwed over right and left but never gave up, never stopped learning, and never stopped giving. (His son contends the FBI had a hand in his death. And after all, he was very popular, leftist, and black, and I don't have any reason to think J. Edgar Hoover wouldn't try something like that.) Okay, Robeson is my total biggest hero ever! I have 8,000 blog posts on him! Or at least three! :--) And Eloise Greenfield - what a combo! I can't wait to see this book! (His biography for adults is awesome (because Robeson was so awesome) - written by Martin Duberman.)
You'll enjoy it Susan, and thanks so much rhapsodyinbooks for all the info. Greenfield does talk about Robeson's losing the right to travel.
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