In a powerful introduction the compiler/artist writes about the way African creativity has sustained the people in the past and how "it still flows - seeking, searching for new ways to connect the ancient with the new, the young with the old, the unborn with the ancestors." Feelings reminds readers about being "part of a collective that shares a common history and future." A stunning 9 3/4" by 10 5/8" volume melds striking art with 13 inspiring poems by Maya Angelou, Lucille Clifton, Alexis De Veaux, Mari Evans, Darryl Holmes, Langston Hughes, Rashidah Ismaili, Haki R. Madhubuti, Walter Dean Myers, Mwatabu Okantah, Eugene B. Redmond, Askia M. Touré and Margaret Walker. Feelings' process for creating the full-color illustrations done in mixed media is explained in detail; they originated with sketches made in Ghana and Senegal, West Africa; Guyana, South America; and in the United States. Biographical paragraphs about each poet appear at the end of this splendid volume. (Age 9 and older)

A stunning oversize volume melds striking art with thirteen inspiring poems by Maya Angelou, Lucille Clifton, Alexis De Veaux, Mari Evans, Darryl Holmes, Langston Hughes, Rashidah Ismaili, Haki R. Madhubuti, Walter Dean Myers, Mwatabu Okantah, Eugene B. Redmond, Askia M. Touré and Margaret Walker. Full-color illustrations done in mixed media originated with sketches made in Ghana and Senegal, West Africa; in Guyana, South America; and in the United States. Biographical paragraphs about each poet round out this splendid picture book that emphasizes the way African creativity has sustained people in the past and continues to connect "the ancient with the new, the young with the old, the unborn with the ancestors."