The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

Weatherford, Carole Boston

Sidewalk Chalk: Poems of the City

32 pp. | Boyds/Wordsong | August, 2001 | Trade ISBN 1-56397-084-8 $$15.95

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Dimitrea Tokunbo. A variety of young people comment upon their urban environs in a collection of twenty upbeat poems. Creating sidewalk art, eating at a greasy spoon, visiting the barber or bustling market, hanging out with buddies, and attending church are some of the topics addressed. Although sometimes uneven, the boldly outlined art captures the diversity of the community. This appreciative peek at a city celebrates a place where "dreams take root in concrete."

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute