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Nathaniel Talking
In brief poems, a nine-year-old boy shares his views on his mother's death, knowledge, friends, school, his father, and the future
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1989
1 person is currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Eloise Greenfield
74 books54 followersGreenfield was born Eloise Little in Parmele, North Carolina, and grew up in Washington, D.C., during the Great Depression in the Langston Terrace housing project, which provided a warm childhood experience for her.[1] She was the second oldest of five children of Weston W. Little and his wife Lessie Blanche (née Jones) Little (1906–1986). A shy and studious child, she loved music and took piano lessons.[2][3] Greenfield experienced racism first-hand in the segregated southern U.S., especially when she visited her grandparents in North Carolina and Virginia.[4] She graduated from Cardozo Senior High School in 1946 and attended Miner Teachers College until 1949. In her third year, however, she found that she was too shy to be a teacher and dropped out.[5]
Greenfield began work in the civil service at the U.S. Patent Office. In 1950, she married World War II veteran Robert J. Greenfield, a long-time friend. She began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the Patent Office, finally succeeding in getting her first poem published in the Hartford Times in 1962 after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories.[6] After joining the District of Columbia Black Writers Workshop in 1971, she began to write books for children. She has published more than 40 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to "choose and order words that children will celebrate".[5][7]
Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African-American communities, families and friendships.[1] These relationships are emphasized in Sister (1974) a young girl copes with the death of a parent with the help of other family members, Me and Nessie (1975) about best friends, My Daddy and I (1991) and Big Friend, Little Friend (1991) about mentoring.[5] Her first book, Bubbles (1972), "sets the tone for much of Greenfield's later work: Realistic portrayals of loving African American parents working hard to provide for their families, and the children who face life's challenges with a positive outlook."[1] In She Come Bringing Me that Little Baby Girl (1974), a boy deals with feelings of envy and learns to share his parents' love when his baby sister arrives. The poignant Alesia (1981) concerns the bravery of a girl handicapped by a childhood accident. Night on Neighborhood Street (1991) is a collection of poems depicting everyday life in an urban community. One of her best-known books, Honey I Love, first published in 1978, is a collection of poems for people of all ages concerning the daily lives and loving relationships of children and families. Her semi-autobiographical book Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir (1979) describes her happy childhood in a neighborhood with strong positive relationships.[5] In the introduction to that book, she explains her interest in biography:
People are a part of their time. They are affected, during the time that they live by the things that happen in their world. Big things and small things. A war, an invention such as radio or television, a birthday party, a kiss. All of these help to shape the present and the future. If we could know more about our ancestors, about the experiences they had when they were children, and after they had grown up, too, we would know much more about what has shaped us and our world.[8]
In 1971, Greenfield began work for the District of Columbia Black Writers' Workshop, as co-director of adult fiction and then, in 1973, as director of children's literature. That group's goal was to encourage the writing and publishing of African-American literature. She was writer-in-residence at the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 1985-86 and taught creative writing in schools under grants from the Commission. She has also lectured and given free workshops on writing of African-American children's
Greenfield began work in the civil service at the U.S. Patent Office. In 1950, she married World War II veteran Robert J. Greenfield, a long-time friend. She began writing poetry and songs in the 1950s while working at the Patent Office, finally succeeding in getting her first poem published in the Hartford Times in 1962 after many years of writing and submitting poetry and stories.[6] After joining the District of Columbia Black Writers Workshop in 1971, she began to write books for children. She has published more than 40 children's books, including picture books, novels, poetry and biographies. She says that she seeks to "choose and order words that children will celebrate".[5][7]
Dismayed by the depiction of blacks and black communities in popular media, Greenfield has focused her work on realistic but positive portrayals of African-American communities, families and friendships.[1] These relationships are emphasized in Sister (1974) a young girl copes with the death of a parent with the help of other family members, Me and Nessie (1975) about best friends, My Daddy and I (1991) and Big Friend, Little Friend (1991) about mentoring.[5] Her first book, Bubbles (1972), "sets the tone for much of Greenfield's later work: Realistic portrayals of loving African American parents working hard to provide for their families, and the children who face life's challenges with a positive outlook."[1] In She Come Bringing Me that Little Baby Girl (1974), a boy deals with feelings of envy and learns to share his parents' love when his baby sister arrives. The poignant Alesia (1981) concerns the bravery of a girl handicapped by a childhood accident. Night on Neighborhood Street (1991) is a collection of poems depicting everyday life in an urban community. One of her best-known books, Honey I Love, first published in 1978, is a collection of poems for people of all ages concerning the daily lives and loving relationships of children and families. Her semi-autobiographical book Childtimes: A Three-Generation Memoir (1979) describes her happy childhood in a neighborhood with strong positive relationships.[5] In the introduction to that book, she explains her interest in biography:
People are a part of their time. They are affected, during the time that they live by the things that happen in their world. Big things and small things. A war, an invention such as radio or television, a birthday party, a kiss. All of these help to shape the present and the future. If we could know more about our ancestors, about the experiences they had when they were children, and after they had grown up, too, we would know much more about what has shaped us and our world.[8]
In 1971, Greenfield began work for the District of Columbia Black Writers' Workshop, as co-director of adult fiction and then, in 1973, as director of children's literature. That group's goal was to encourage the writing and publishing of African-American literature. She was writer-in-residence at the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities in 1985-86 and taught creative writing in schools under grants from the Commission. She has also lectured and given free workshops on writing of African-American children's
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 27, 2022
Nathaniel Talking is a five star poetry book that is a must read. Throughout all the different stories in the book the universal theme stays the same. Eloise Greenfield the author of this book made the themes very clear. The themes consist of growing up, death, family, friendship, optimism and love. The verses throughout the poems are very moving and heart touching. When reading the book you will realize that there are different rhyme schemes for different poems in the book. Looking at the illustrators craft you can tell the author used a lot of lines to depict movement. I would not miss out on reading this book with all the heartfelt themes.
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October 27, 2022"Nathaniel Talking" is an individual anthology by NCTE award winner Eloise Greenfield. The rhyme scheme changes from one poem to the next within this collection, but everyone is equally as captivating. The writing is innovative; Spivey Gilchrist did a wonderful job illustrating the emotions felt while reading each verse.
April 18, 2018
This collection of short poems that reflect the moments and experiences in the life of a young African American boy named Nathaniel. The book begins and ends with a rap that discusses his outlook on life, the middle is filled with snippets about his family, including his mother who passed away, his experiences making friends, and some hopes for his future.
Overall, I somewhat enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Eloise Greenfield are done in black and white which reflected the sober and uncertain tone of the book. I found it particularly interesting that the poems that left the reader with the most uncertainty we accompanied by completely blacked out images that showed only the shadows of people. As the back cover states the illustrations truly ground the more abstract poems in reality. I did, however struggle with the abstract nature of this book. At many points I had difficulty understanding exactly what was happening. Perhaps this is because I was misunderstanding the text or wasn’t thinking broadly enough, but overall this is not something that I would likely not reread.
Even though I did not particularly enjoy this book I think it would be a great addition to my future classroom. The lyrical text would appeal to readers who do not enjoy traditional, prose texts.
Overall, I somewhat enjoyed this book. The illustrations by Eloise Greenfield are done in black and white which reflected the sober and uncertain tone of the book. I found it particularly interesting that the poems that left the reader with the most uncertainty we accompanied by completely blacked out images that showed only the shadows of people. As the back cover states the illustrations truly ground the more abstract poems in reality. I did, however struggle with the abstract nature of this book. At many points I had difficulty understanding exactly what was happening. Perhaps this is because I was misunderstanding the text or wasn’t thinking broadly enough, but overall this is not something that I would likely not reread.
Even though I did not particularly enjoy this book I think it would be a great addition to my future classroom. The lyrical text would appeal to readers who do not enjoy traditional, prose texts.
August 17, 2023
Nathaniel Talking is a poetry book for children by Eloise Greenfield. Nathaniel Talking is also a winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrator and Author Honor. Nathiel Talking is a narrative presented in the form of a collection of poems. Each poem offers insight into Nathaniel's thoughts, feelings, and observations. Through these poems, readers look into Nathaniel's world and his relationships. Because of its diverse representation, various themes, and its ability to engage the audience I rate Nathaniel Talking five stars. Nathaniel talking has diversion many other books do not have. The protagonist of this book is a young African American boy. Most children books do not include African American characters, to have an African American protagonist, could mean a lot to a young reader who does not feel included in books. I felt as though I was able to connect and relate to Nathaniel’s various themes of family, friendship, and school life. I believe Nathaniel Talking is something many young readers of color can resonate with as well. Lastly, I like the narrative format of Nathaniel Talking. I believe this attracts and engages young readers. Overall, I think Nathaniel Talking is a great book for all young readers but could mean a lot to young readers of color.
November 5, 2018
My favorite author when I was in Elementary.
June 18, 2019
The story and art felt dated for today's kids, but not bad.
November 20, 2008
Genre: Poetry Reading level: Ages 5-10
Nathaniel is a son, a grandson, a student, a neighbor, a friend, and a child who desperately mourns his mother. How does one little boy pack all of these roles and their accompanying feelings into one package? He raps, he writes, he rhymes, and sometimes he cries. Nathaniel talks about his family, his friends, his school, his neighborhood and his dreams. The result is a book of poetry about Nathaniel and his life. The language of this book, written in various styles including rap and blues, honors the heritage of Black music. A brief note offers a peek into writer’s history and her sources of inspiration. The artist’s amazing black and white pencil drawings bring Nathaniel to life in illustrations that often appear to be photographic in their depiction of facial expressions. The author and illustrator have composed a compelling book of prose that affords the reader a glimpse into the life, culture, and mind of a small African-American boy.
Other poetry for young children:
Mammalabilia: poems and paintings, Douglas Florian
Pocket poems, selected by Bobbi Katz.
Talking like the rain: a read-to me book of poems, selected by X. J. & Dorothy Kennedy
Nathaniel is a son, a grandson, a student, a neighbor, a friend, and a child who desperately mourns his mother. How does one little boy pack all of these roles and their accompanying feelings into one package? He raps, he writes, he rhymes, and sometimes he cries. Nathaniel talks about his family, his friends, his school, his neighborhood and his dreams. The result is a book of poetry about Nathaniel and his life. The language of this book, written in various styles including rap and blues, honors the heritage of Black music. A brief note offers a peek into writer’s history and her sources of inspiration. The artist’s amazing black and white pencil drawings bring Nathaniel to life in illustrations that often appear to be photographic in their depiction of facial expressions. The author and illustrator have composed a compelling book of prose that affords the reader a glimpse into the life, culture, and mind of a small African-American boy.
Other poetry for young children:
Mammalabilia: poems and paintings, Douglas Florian
Pocket poems, selected by Bobbi Katz.
Talking like the rain: a read-to me book of poems, selected by X. J. & Dorothy Kennedy
December 7, 2015
The illustrations in this book by Jan Spivey Gilchrist add tremendous volume to the words in this book. Nathaniel is a young African American boy who tells brief stories about his life and experiences in short poems. He also like to rap and begins the book with a rap about his “philosophy” then goes into talking about topics like his mother who has passed away, knowledge, being nine years old, making friends, and his daddy even. The strong words give such a great visual really making the reader think about what Nathaniel is saying. Then there are the illustrations which are so spot on to Nathaniel’s strong descriptions. This book could make for a great introduction to a poetry lesson or self expression artistic piece.
November 27, 2012
This was an interesting reading experience, where the book really won me over. I didn't appreciate Nathaniel's initial rap, but I fell in love with the beautiful illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist.
Greenfield's poems talk about life, but they are wholesome (no negative connotations here). I really enjoyed the poems about friendship, family and the future. This book has a very positive outlook.
I see my future
clear as I don't know what
not all the things around me
not furniture or houses
or sidewalks and stuff
I just see me
...
Greenfield's poems talk about life, but they are wholesome (no negative connotations here). I really enjoyed the poems about friendship, family and the future. This book has a very positive outlook.
I see my future
clear as I don't know what
not all the things around me
not furniture or houses
or sidewalks and stuff
I just see me
...
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November 27, 2015This is such a great book to read because it provides readers with a different perspective on the layout of a book. It is a beautifully composed in a variety of styles--rap, blues, and free verse--these 18 poems offers a black child's insights into his own heart and mind, and into the lives of family and friends. Nine-year-old Nathaniel reflects on what it's like to be curious, smart, and full of ideas. This is a great book filled with short poems. This would also be a great book for those students who may feel they have too much on their plate.
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November 25, 2015This book is filled with short poems, and I read the poem titled "Nine". The little boy describes how since he is nine years old, he is old enough to be independent.
If I were to use this book in my classroom, I would ask students what they think it means to be independent. Then we would come up with some ways they could be independent and their age. For example if they are in second grade, they can pick up their toys, make their bed, brush their teeth, and do their homework to be independent.
If I were to use this book in my classroom, I would ask students what they think it means to be independent. Then we would come up with some ways they could be independent and their age. For example if they are in second grade, they can pick up their toys, make their bed, brush their teeth, and do their homework to be independent.
December 9, 2015
This book was well written and illustrated in my opinion Nathaniel is a young African American boy who likes to rap in fact the beginning of the book starts out about a rap about his life and experiences he talks about his mother who passed away, being a nine year old, making friends and his daddy. This book was awesome in my opinion it showed children that a book can be fun Nathaniel rapped about his life so even if you don’t enjoy reading you can find ways around it that can help you begin to like it.
August 31, 2011
1990 Coretta Scott King Award (illustrator winner)
Nathaniel raps and rhymes about various ideas and people in his life. I liked the poem about Nathaniel thinking he knows everything when he's old, only to be shown up by a little girl's questions. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful charcoal drawings. The explanation about the twelve-bar blues poems in the back was also really cool. Some of the poems were a little bland, but others I liked.
Nathaniel raps and rhymes about various ideas and people in his life. I liked the poem about Nathaniel thinking he knows everything when he's old, only to be shown up by a little girl's questions. The illustrations are realistic and beautiful charcoal drawings. The explanation about the twelve-bar blues poems in the back was also really cool. Some of the poems were a little bland, but others I liked.
March 7, 2012
This is such a great book to read because it provides readers with a different perspective on the layout of a book. Each page is a different story from the mind of Nathaniel. The stories are broken down into very short brief poems on a specific aspect of his life. An example of this includes a poem and page dedicated to his mother, the poem is titled Mama, and in the poem he describes the simple yet memorable attributes of his mother. Great book!
April 13, 2013
-Nathaniel rapping- begins with introduction, and from there Nathaniel raps about many aspects of his life, such as his mother's death, his memories of her, how he wants to be when he grows up, grandparents and more. Ages 9 and up
-good illustrations- black and white pencil drawings on each page, some of which are prominent, and some of which are blurry and fade into the background
-aside from the fact that the poems themselves have rhythm, there are several references to music
-good illustrations- black and white pencil drawings on each page, some of which are prominent, and some of which are blurry and fade into the background
-aside from the fact that the poems themselves have rhythm, there are several references to music
December 4, 2014
A great book for those students who may feel they have too much on their plate. I have heard several stories during my practicum experiences in which 3rd and 5th grade students were taking care of their younger siblings for hours at a time until their parents would get home from work. It is sad that this happens, but it is true and this book tackles in a form the frustrations that those students may be facing.
May 12, 2012
These poems made you feel like you were a young child, at home, looking at the world around him. Students will all be able to relate to his viewpoints, and feel like they are home and comfortable themselves. This is a great way to see the world through a child's eyes.
December 1, 2012
Illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. I thought this was a pretty cool book. It made the reader naturally rap, which was pretty impressive :) It deals with real-life, sometimes difficult topics too, in an accessible way (even for quite young kids). I liked it and would recommend it.
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November 24, 2015This book describes the events of Nathaniel life through poems. The life events in the book include birthdays, school and first times. Each poem describes the setting and what Nathaniel felt through each event.
April 26, 2016
Nathaniel Talking is a book that includes several of poems that describe how Nathaniel felt about his mother's death and the pain he endured. I would read this book as a coping for any student going through a death situation.
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April 17, 2012I really liked this picture book, the character of a nine-year-old boy being the narrator of the poems. It was interesting to see these poems and emotions in a child's eye and words.
April 22, 2012
Poems written from a 9-year-old point of view dealing with the people in his life including his recently deceased mother.
November 26, 2012
This book is a collection of poems in a variety of styles remarking on a young boys life.
March 13, 2015
Nathaniel expresses his thoughts and ideas about life in this book of collected poems.
November 29, 2012
Book in poetry form. Rhyming; black and white illustrations.
December 3, 2012
Beautiful short poems accompanied with amazing black and white sketches that truly capture every character's personality and feelings.
December 5, 2012
Poetry book of African American poems.
April 3, 2013
Nathaniel talks about his thoughts on life in poetic form including rap and blues.
April 14, 2013
Poetry. Beautiful black and white sketches by Jan Spivey Gilchrist. The poems in this book are excellent. There is a great rhythm to all of them; you could almost sing them.
August 3, 2013
1990 CSKing Author Honor
1990 CSKing Illustrator Winner
excellent pencil illustrations
1990 CSKing Illustrator Winner
excellent pencil illustrations
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews