In Daddy's Arms I AM TALL

Summary:
This vividly illustrated book is a collection of African American poems centered around a child's relationship with their father. As we know many children of the urban and African American culture have broken relationships with their father, or their father is unknown. This book sends a message that the strongest bond can be between a child and their father. Many of the poems talk about being accepted by a father after doing something wrong, wanting to be in their fathers life, and showing gratitude towards their fathers choices.


About the Illustrator: Javaka Steptoe
This book was his first step into children's literature. Steptoe won the Coretta Scott King Award with this book also.  Taking a leaf of out the book, Steptoe wanted to follow in his father's footsteps as an artist and illustrator. Javaka's pictures are vivid and eye-catching to all. Using this book would be a great way to introduce students to a new type of art besides the typical pictures in a children book. Steptoe uses other forms of art besides the norm in In Daddy's Arms I AM TALL. Steptoe currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.


Theme/Skill:  Poetry, African American, Multi-cultural
Grade Level: K-12


Pre-Reading Activity: 
Discuss with students what their family dynamic looks like. Who is in their family? Who lives with them? Remember not all students may have a father figure in their life.


Post-Reading Activity:
After going through the poetry and what elements make poetry. Have students make their own poem about a family member in their lives. Discuss how the poems in the book were written from a loving place and so should their poem.

Reflection:
This book could not only be used in a younger class when discussing family, but could be used in an older class to discuss cultural issues. Many students would perhaps be upset when reading these poems, but it would allow them to express their feelings.