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Langston, the king of letters, whose ABC's became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole wide world.

In this book, Jason Reynolds honors poet Langston Hughes with captivating storytelling and stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. This vibrant picture book immerses readers in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, showcasing the importance of community and creativity. With its rich narrative and beautiful art, the book inspires young readers to explore their own voices and embrace the transformative power of art in their lives.

There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, 2023. Caldecott Award Winning Book, is a beautiful tribute to poet Langston Hughes, featuring stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. The vibrant artwork complements Reynolds‘ lyrical prose, evoking the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. The book emphasizes the importance of community, creativity, and the arts in shaping identity.

“To a most marvelous party. For a most marvelous man.“

“Whose ABC's became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole wide world.“

This story would work well for introducing Langston Hughes and connected ELA with social studies and important figures.

This story would work well for introducing Langston Hughes and connected ELA with social studies.

There Was a Party for Langston was written by Jason Reynolds in 2023. This book had beautiful rhythm and tempo when read out loud by the author. The characters were brought to life with color and intentional illustrations on each page. Words were often used within the pictures to give them emphasis.

There Was a Party for Langston was written by Jason Reynolds in 2023. This book had beautiful rhythm and tempo when read out loud by the author. The characters were brought to life with color and intentional illustrations on each page. Words were often used within the pictures to give them emphasis.

"But freedom stand up and laughs in their faces" -Langston Hughes, "Freedom", 1968

There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, 2023. Caldecott Award Winning Book. This is a wonderful book based on history. The illustrations bring the story alive as the characters dance throughout the pages. This is a great way for children to learn about important people throughout history who have had an impact on our society.

This book is really great for any classroom. It would be great to use for a history lesson. It would be easy for any grade level.

“Where the books were looking on us as new words were being written. Where the books were listening. Just like you.“

Loved this book. Easy to follow along and easy to understand the message throughout. The pictures say so many words.

There Was a Party for Langston- Caldecott Honor & Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor, Picture Book, Published in 2023
I love how the book made me think about the positive impact Langston had on so many in our world—people, things that we have experienced, and things that children will experience. Can help students think about their dreams and ways that may support them getting there.

“But Langston, the brave word maker, knew letters were better together, turned them into laughter.”

I love how up beat and entertaining this book is. I think the author does a great job at highlighting how fun Langston was and the stories that were shared. The Illustrations were very detailed, and I enjoyed how it was produced by his college bestfriend.

Caldecott Award Winner, Common Sense Selection, and Coretta Scott King Honor. Honors the King of Letters, Langston Hughes and the luminaries that he inspired. Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more were moved to recite their poems to Langston, showing their praise for him.

There is no words on the page but I love how they highlight so many amazing black historical figures

Langston, the king of letters, whose ABC's became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole wide world.

This is a great text to read to any classroom!! It‘s fun and lighthearted but still feels great and easy to read. I could see my self using it in a classroom because of the idea of bringing fun to the library

I enjoyed the pictures in the book & the simplicity of the sentence structure so it‘s easy for kids to read. I also love the culture taught throughout the book without it directly feeling like an autobiography. The only part that was confusing was the ending with introducing new characters.

This was a great book for younger children and a good way for them to learn about history.

Picture book- Caldecott honor book and Corbett‘s Scott king illustrator honor book
This was a wonderful story bringing history to life. It flows very well and allows young readers to learn about iconic poets and “ letter kings”. The illustrations add the the journey and are very vibrant

Good

Obviously I‘ll read anything by Jason Reynolds. This is an ode to the “King of Letters” Langston Hughes of Harlem Renaissance fame and it happens at the Schomburg Library (qv The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford). The guests include Angelou, Baldwin, Butler, Brooks, DuBois, Walker, Morrison and the like. Reynolds‘ 1st picture book.

#LitsyLove
#ReadAway2024

I feel like I should start off every Jason Reynolds‘ review with a disclaimer about how much adore him. ☺️
I swear I could hear him in my head reading this one. I loved the words and the art. I love that this book came about because of a photo of Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka (who I had never heard of) dancing at this party.

I put the audio on hold at the library so I could really hear him. 😀