Love to Langston is a book of poems for children written by the author in the voice of Langston Hughes (how he would imagine him). The poems were not written by Langston Hughes himself. The author, Tony Medina, explains why he created this collection in homage to the famous Harlem poet:

'Langston Hughes’ Selected Poems was one of the first poetry books I ever read. The cover had a photo of Langston sitting in front of his typewriter, looking over his shoulder with a slight, hesitating grin. It was the first brown face I had ever seen looking out a me from the cover of a book – a face that reminded me of my face and the faces of my family.”

Those of us who take for granted books that provide mirrors for ourselves, can perhaps imagine what Medina felt when he opened the book and saw not only familiar-looking faces, but heard voices he recognized in the poetry of Langston Hughes:

"It was the first time poetry truly spoke to me about where I was from, in language that was familiar, reminding me of the people in my neighborhood.”

Medina has written fourteen poems to share, with illustrations by R. Gregory Christie. In big font and bold colors, the book has an inspired collection of verse. Interestingly, not one poem is like any from Langston Hughes’ own book of poetry for children, The Dream Keeper And Other Poems, illustrated by Brian Pinkney. I would have to say the Medina book seems more “modern” and probably more relevant to today’s children. Even the illustrator chose a more "edgy" look rather than the warmer pictures one might expect in a book of poetry for kids. In the back of the book, there are explanatory notes providing background information on each selection.

The poem that ends the collection is a wonderful example of the type of poems included in the book, and also shows you how Medina, in the voice of Langston Hughes, combines both charm and realism to get his point across. Note the alliteration as it winds up:

Sometimes Life Ain’t Always a Hoot

Sometimes life ain’t
always a hoot
or a holler

But if you manage
to give it
a bother

Even if you miss
your mother
or don’t like
your father

There’ll be better days
up ahead

A whole mess of
happenin’ days
up ahead

You can sit and sulk
suck your teeth
and sigh

Or love and laugh
and live life
by and by

Note: Lee & Low Books recommends a reading level of grade 2 and interest level of grades 1-6. ( )