In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers

In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers is a collection of poems honoring African American fathers and father figures. The anthology features work from multiple poets, with illustrations by Javaka Steptoe. Each poem captures moments between fathers and children through different perspectives and experiences. The verses range from simple childhood observations to reflections on family bonds and heritage. The artwork uses mixed media collage techniques to complement the poetry, creating a visual journey through the text. The illustrations incorporate elements like fabric, paint, and found objects. This celebration of African American fatherhood explores themes of strength, protection, and generational wisdom while highlighting the vital role of fathers in their children's lives.

Readers appreciate the collection of poems celebrating African American fathers and father figures. Parents and teachers note the book helps fill a gap in children's literature showing positive Black father-son relationships. What readers liked: - Mixed media collage illustrations complement each poem's tone - Poems accessible for children while remaining meaningful for adults - Diversity of poetic styles and perspectives included - Effective teaching tool for poetry and African American history What readers disliked: - Some poems may be too abstract for younger children - A few readers found certain illustrations dark or hard to interpret Ratings: Goodreads: 4.12/5 (249 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (55 ratings) Notable comments: "The artwork alone tells powerful stories" - School librarian on Goodreads "My students connect deeply with these poems about fathers" - 3rd grade teacher on Amazon "Perfect for Father's Day readings and poetry units" - Reading specialist review

Love To Langston by Tony Medina This poetry collection tells the life story of Langston Hughes through the lens of his relationship with his father figures.

The Fathers Are Coming Home by Margaret Wise Brown The book follows different fathers - from human dads to animal fathers - returning home to their children.

Papa's Mark by Gwendolyn Battle-Lavert A son helps his father learn to write his name so he can vote for the first time after the Civil War.

Hair Dance by Dinah Johnson Photographs and poetic text showcase African American girls and women styling their hair with their mothers and grandmothers.

Night Dance by Janet Wong A father and child share quiet moments together through poetic snapshots of their evening routine.

🌟 The book won the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 1998 for its vibrant mixed-media collage artwork. 🎨 Javaka Steptoe created the illustrations using found objects, including wood salvaged from abandoned buildings in Brooklyn. 📚 The book combines works from 13 different poets, including Folami Abiade, Dinah Johnson, and Angela Johnson, celebrating father-child relationships. 🎭 Each poem in the book is presented in a distinctly different artistic style, reflecting the unique voice of its contributor. 👨‍👦 The title comes from a poem by Folami Abiade and captures the universal feeling of security children experience when being held by their fathers.