Coretta Scott King Award

Thomas, C.J. (2008). The blacker the berry. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.

"Colors, without black couldn't sparkle so bright", is a quote that reflects the true message of the author. The book contains poems that promotes a sense of cultural pride and an appreciation of the African-American heritage. The poems reflect the many variations of black, not only in the African-American but in the world, as a whole. The use of imagery heightens the message of the poems and add to the beauty of the authors words and skillful illustrations.

I was delighted to read a book that portrays the true beauty of the African-American culture, that may not always be reflected to children. The Blacker the Berry provides all children with an insight of a different ethnic group, to emphasize its beauty.

"The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice" was a saying that I heard throughout my childhood from adults. As a child, I did not totally understand its meaning, but as an adult I learned to embed this into my thoughts and feelings about my culture.

Joyce Carol Thomas have written an array of books that acknowledges the beauty in the African-American culture, such as Water Girl, The Bowlegged Rooster and Marked By Fire. These are just a few of books that has a positive influence of its readers and African-American children.

I was impressed with how skillfully the author used imagery. It was done in a manner that can be understood by younger readers. Poetry is often avoided by children because of its difficulty to understanding; however, The Blacker the Berry will re-introduce the language of poetry in a manner that children can understand and appreciate.