Thomas, Joyce Carol. 2008. The Blacker the Berry. Illus Floyd Cooper. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 978-0-06-025376-9.
Thomas's poems spotlight the abundantly distinctive shades of black, metaphorically incorporating various berries to punctuate her point. Children ages 9-12 will find beauty and inspiration in Thomas's poetic free verse. An example of the power her poetry exudes can be found in Snowberries.
Snowberries
Joyce Carol Thomas
I look white
I am as light
as snowberries in fall
"I walk that walk
I talk that talk"
Yet
Still some say
"You're not really Black!"
The words cut deep down
Beyond the bone
Beneath my snowy skin
Deep down where no one can see
I bleed the "one drop of blood"
That makes Black me
And I want to be as black
as midnight
and moonless water
So no words can wound me
Still I'm thankful
For all the blood drops I got
In my mind
Even one drop's a lot
Further enhancing Thomas's elegant, artistic poetry are the full-page illustrations by Floyd Cooper. He captures the spirit of each poem, bringing the narrators to life. This 2009 recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award will speak volumes to those children lucky enough to read it.
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