Description
The Women Who Caught the Babies highlights important aspects of the training and work of African-American midwives and the ways in which they have helped, and continue to help, so many families by "catching" their babies at birth. The blend of Eloise Greenfield's poetry and Daniel Minter's art evokes heartfelt appreciation of the abilities of African-American midwifes over the course of time. The poem "Africa to America" begins the poetic journey. The poem "The Women" both heralds the poetry/art pairing and concludes it with a note of gratitude. Also included is a piece titled "Miss Rovenia Mayo," which pays tribute to the midwife who caught newborn Eloise.
Reviews
"This unique picture book begins with historic background on the work of midwives, written in prose that is accessible to young readers and accompanied by archival photographs. The book then switches to poetry and stunningly beautiful illustrationswith vignettes from lives of midwives during slavery, emancipation, and today." -- Deborah Menkart, Social Justice Books
"The Women Who Caught The Babies is a Masterpiece of Art and Writing! It deserves RESOUNDING Praise and Awards!" Ashley Bryan. Among Ashley's awards are the John Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King--Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, and the New York Public Library's Literary Lions award.
"... the verses capture the powerful, loving, and unwavering work of these women, who guided humans into the world "with gentle, loving hands." The verses are accompanied by Minter's dramatic portraits of women and babies ... filled with symbolic patterns and images." Julie Danielson, "Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"
"This poetic tale chronicles the presence and contributions of African American midwives. Rites of passage incandescently brought to light." -- Vicky Smith, Kirkus Reviews
"This moving nonfiction illustrated book, written in verse, illuminates the work and stories of African American midwives. It's empowering to understand their role in shaping generations, even as they were forced into slavery. A bibliography and photographs underscore Minter's powerful artwork." Ryan Mita, Children's Book Council
Renowned children's book author Eloise Greenfield opens her latest title with a note to readers: "I want to take you back only as far as the Africa of a few hundred years ago. That's when millions of Africans were forced from their homelands, brought to America, and enslaved. Some of the enslaved were midwives." This unique picture book begins with historic background on the work of midwives, written in prose that is accessible to young readers and accompanied by archival photographs. The book then switches to poetry and stunningly beautiful illustrations with vignettes from lives of midwives during slavery, emancipation, and today. Greenfield closes with a poem about the midwife who "caught" her when she was born, Miss Rovenia Mayo of Parmele, North Carolina." -- Rethinking Schools Magazine
Book Information
ISBN 9780997772074
Author Eloise Greenfield
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Alazar Press
Publisher Royal Swan Enterprises, Incorporated
Weight(grams) 435g
Reviews
"This unique picture book begins with historic background on the work of midwives, written in prose that is accessible to young readers and accompanied by archival photographs. The book then switches to poetry and stunningly beautiful illustrationswith vignettes from lives of midwives during slavery, emancipation, and today." -- Deborah Menkart, Social Justice Books
"The Women Who Caught The Babies is a Masterpiece of Art and Writing! It deserves RESOUNDING Praise and Awards!" Ashley Bryan. Among Ashley's awards are the John Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King--Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, and the New York Public Library's Literary Lions award.
"... the verses capture the powerful, loving, and unwavering work of these women, who guided humans into the world "with gentle, loving hands." The verses are accompanied by Minter's dramatic portraits of women and babies ... filled with symbolic patterns and images." Julie Danielson, "Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast"
"This poetic tale chronicles the presence and contributions of African American midwives. Rites of passage incandescently brought to light." -- Vicky Smith, Kirkus Reviews
"This moving nonfiction illustrated book, written in verse, illuminates the work and stories of African American midwives. It's empowering to understand their role in shaping generations, even as they were forced into slavery. A bibliography and photographs underscore Minter's powerful artwork." Ryan Mita, Children's Book Council
Renowned children's book author Eloise Greenfield opens her latest title with a note to readers: "I want to take you back only as far as the Africa of a few hundred years ago. That's when millions of Africans were forced from their homelands, brought to America, and enslaved. Some of the enslaved were midwives." This unique picture book begins with historic background on the work of midwives, written in prose that is accessible to young readers and accompanied by archival photographs. The book then switches to poetry and stunningly beautiful illustrations with vignettes from lives of midwives during slavery, emancipation, and today. Greenfield closes with a poem about the midwife who "caught" her when she was born, Miss Rovenia Mayo of Parmele, North Carolina." -- Rethinking Schools Magazine
Book Information
ISBN 9780997772074
Author Eloise Greenfield
Format Hardback
Page Count 32
Imprint Alazar Press
Publisher Royal Swan Enterprises, Incorporated
Weight(grams) 435g
