My America
Book: My America , by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, Ashley Bryan (Illustrator), Jan Spivey Gilchrist, ISBN10: 0060791055, ISBN13: 9780060791056, HarperCollins Publishers, May 2007, Library Binding
Jan Spivey Gilchrist illustrated the Coretta Scott King Award Book Nathaniel Talking, the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Night on Neighborhood Street, and Me & Neesie. Most recently, she wrote the Parents' Choice Award Winner My America, which she co-illustrated with Ashley Bryan. An inductee into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent, Ms. Gilchrist holds an MFA in writing for children and a doctoral degree in English. She lives near Chicago, Illinois.
Have you seen my country?
Seen my magic skies?
Seen my mighty waters?
Have you seen my land?
Have you seen my country?
Seen my wings abound?
Seen my water creatures?
Seen my beasts and fowl?
Have you seen my people?
We hail from every shore.
Have you seen my homeland?
Have you seen my country?
Have you seen my America?
In this stunning tribute to our country, Coretta Scott King Award winners Ashley Bryan and Jan Spivey Gilchrist remind us that America's strength and beauty come from the diversity of its people, wildlife, and landscape.
Publishers Weekly
In celebration of this country's diverse population comes a title that marries color and copy to create a luminous work of art. Set to Gilchrist's (When the Horses Ride By)poetic verse, the text offers a series of questions that does not necessarily beg responses, but rather prompts children to take a closer look at the world around them. The words roll effortlessly off the tongue ("Have you seen my country? Seen my magic skies? Seen my mighty waters? Have you seen my land?"), though the page breaks occasionally interrupt their flow, which may have the effect of pushing readers ahead to finish the phrase. However, if the text propels things forward, the illustrations certainly invite lingering. Gilchrist's muted watercolors showcase sweeping naturalistic landscapes of swirling skies in majestic purple and golden hues and children exploring or integrated into the seas and universe around them. Bryan's spreads, in contrast, vibrate with a neon palette and seem to make visible the powerful energies that emanate from the natural world and its inhabitants. The alternating styles of illustration underscore the multitude of experiences and viewpoints that make Americans unique, furthering the text's tone of tolerance and acceptance. The final pages pay tribute to a modern world where peace is paramount: an international grouping of men and women stand smiling together, their hands firmly clasped in unity-a hopeful message to which future generations can aspire. Ages 4-8. (June)
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