We Troubled The Water
Poems by Ntozake
Shange
Paintings by Rod Brown
In startling verse and
paintings, Ntozake Shange and Rod Brown tell the stories of the pain
and suffering experienced before the Civil Rights Movement, the actions
and leaders that led to historic change, and the vision of America as a
country where race and religion no longer separate
Americans. Individual poetic and visual tribute is given to
the heroes from Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King,
Jr. and Malcolm X. The authors remember and honor those unknown
Americans who were also part of the Civil Rights Movement--- the school
children who learned and used their education to build up themselves,
the cleaning woman and the garbage boys, and all those who stood up in
protest.
Ntozake Shange and Rod Brown bring together powerful images of familiar
history to those who lived through these times. WE TROUBLED THE
WATER makes history come alive, allowing the reader/viewer to feel the
suffering and the courage of those who lived through that time.
WE TROUBLED THE WATER strikes the emotions in a very visceral
way. The images and verse about real historic figures provide an
educational resource for children (ages 9-12). Several lesser
known historical figures (Marcus Garvey and Bull Connor) are mentioned,
giving direction for those inquisitive readers who want to explore more
history of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the most compelling
and shocking images emerge from the authors use of nature in the
beginning river scene, "Crying Trees" and "Road Kill."
These images trouble one deeply and yet few images anywhere capture the
emotion behind the suffering and call for justice as these do.
These images and words are not for the faint of heart. They haunt
and trouble even those adult readers familiar with the Civil Rights
Movement from study and having lived through those times.
WE TROUBLED THE WATER is a powerful, emotional look inside an important
part of American history. WE TROUBLED THE WATER reaches that
poetic place inside a reader/viewer, that quiet place that recognizes
suffering and cries out for justice. WE TROUBLED THE WATER is an
important resource for teaching American history because the images and
poetry bring alive the very heart of the period in a way an academic
text is unlikely to do. WE TROUBLED THE WATER shows
the power, energy and vibrancy in history and society. WE
TROUBLED THE WATER would also be a great choice for the bookshelves of
those adult readers who lived through these times. Few books
capture the suffering, struggle and hope as well. WE TROUBLED THE
WATER would be a great resource for parents and grandparents to share
with their children and grandchildren, reading aloud and sharing their
memories of this period. Whether this book is used as a resource
for teaching or during Black History Month celebrations or read by
individuals and families, WE TROUBLED THE WATER is unforgettable.
A keeper!
Publisher: Amistad (October 20, 2009
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Merrimon Book Reviews
