Jump Back, Paul: The Story of Paul Laurence Dunbar and His Poems

by Sally Derby, Bahni Turpin (Reading), Dion Graham (Reading)

Experience the breadth and depth of Paul Laurence Dunbar s poetry and learn how it reflects his singular life as a late-nineteenth-century black man.

Did you know that Paul Laurence Dunbar originated such famous lines as "I know why the caged bird sings" and "We wear the mask that grins and lies"? From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar s story is one of triumph and tragedy. But his legacy remains in his much-beloved poetry told in both Standard English and in dialect which continues to delight and inspire readers today. More than two dozen of Dunbar s poems are woven throughout this volume, illuminating the phases of his life and serving as examples of dialect, imagery, and tone. Narrating in a voice full of admiration and respect, Sally Derby introduces Paul Laurence Dunbar s life and poetry to listeners young and old.

Genres: Poetry, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Picture Books, African American

Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2015

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had me at hello.

"You never heard of the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar? Child, where've you been? I got to have a word with you. Why, back in the day, you'd have whole families sitting around listening while one of them performed "When Malindy Sings" or "Little Brown Baby" or "A Negro Love Song" (which folks most always call "Jump Back, Honey").

Within a page or two, I was just fascinated with the book, with the story, with the narrator, and just HAD to keep reading. I wasn't expecting to find a book about a poet compelling, honestly. But this is a well-crafted narrative.

Readers learn about Paul Laurence Dunbar. Readers get the opportunity to read many of his poems. And that opportunity comes within the context of learning about his life. And I think, in part, that is why it is so compelling. It isn't just "here kid, read some poems." Far from it, readers have all they need--in my opinion--to understand and appreciate the poems. Readers are given a taste only, just enough to make you want more.

I really enjoyed this one. I'm not sure what I enjoyed most: learning about the poet, OR, reading the poems. I think both elements work well together. I think if readers had the biography without the poems, it would fall short. And I think the reverse is also true. Without knowing his life story, the times in which he lived, what mattered and why, the poems lose something--especially with so young an audience.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of this country's premiere poets during his life, though today he is often found as a footnote in poetic history. Sally Derby knocks it out of the ballpark on this biography about him, interweaving his poetry with the background influences occurring in his life as he was writing it. This is a fascinating way to learn about Paul the man and his poetry. Derby covers his warts and all, explaining why he behaved the way he did in a manner that brings understanding and empathy for this man who was a man of his time. Bravo!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s introduction to the life and poetry of African-American author Paul Laurence Dunbar is told in a conversational, down-to-earth manner, which puts Mr Dunbar’s life and work into historical context. Both his parents were born into slavery, and his father escaped to Canada on the Underground Railroad and then returned to fight in the Union army. Mr Dunbar was born in Dayton, Ohio where he attended high school with Orville Wright, and his life and work were influenced by the racial prejudice and Jim Crow laws of that time. A wide sampling of Mr Dunbar’s poetry is woven into the narrative, including the well-known “Sympathy” with its famous line: “I know why the caged bird sings.” For the audiobook, the poems were read by a different reader than the text, providing a vocal contrast which works well to showcase Mr Dunbar’s language, poetic techniques, and meaning. The author discusses how Mr Dunbar wrote poems in both formal English and in dialect, and why he may have chosen to do this. The afterword explains how Ms Derby came to research and write this book, and the notes provide useful background information. There is a wonderful synergy between the text and the skillful audiobook interpretation by Bahni Turpin and Dion Graham. Audiobook.

[Ashley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A middle grade biography of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Told in dialect, this book reads like a conversation with a friendly neighbor. Basic biographical highlights are included, as well as some poems and a brief criticism giving the poems context.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging, respectful portrait of Paul Laurence Dunbar through his poems and a folksy narrative voice.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were just rating this on my enjoyment of it, it would be four stars, and that would be pretty good.

I have to give it an extra star because I am so impressed with how the material was handled. In a comfortable, familiar voice, Derby weaves the story of Dunbar's life and poetic influences, introducing you to the poetry but in a context where they are more meaningful, and where there is more left to explore. It works well and is suitable for young readers even as it handles war, divorce, racism, alcohol issues and disease. Amazing.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I really knew absolutely nothing about Paul Laurence Dunbar coming in to this book and I was totally fascinated. Writing in a conversational tone, author Sally Derby brings Dunbar's brief, passionate life to the young reader, including many of his poems. While I enjoyed reading this book and it seems to be meticulously researched, I'm a little ambivalent about the conversational tone of the book. I like it because it feels like grandma is sitting down in the kitchen and telling you about this interesting person, but there were several points where the author imagines what Dunbar would have felt about certain situations, etc. that felt like it's blurring the lines of nonfiction.

I read an ARC, so final art was not seen, but I LOVE Sean Qualls and I am really excited to seek out the finished book to see the finished art. (The black & white art included in the ARC is amazing!)

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The audio was AMAZING. The topic was fascinating. I listened to the author's note with rapt attention. What fell flat for me was the casual narrator of the text and the subtle ways the authenticity of tone and substance felt a little off. Dion Graham knocked the performances of Dunbar's poems out of the park - it was the "Grandma" voice that didn't sit well for me, especially as a biographical source. I felt like Derby could have focused more on Dunbar's dialect poetry, as that is what made him famous at the time.

[Kerfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derby's biography of African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, written for children, is a through introduction to his life and work, providing important historical context as well. I was a bit put off by the "grandmotherly" tone of the narrator at times (Derby says she heard a grandmother's voice and used it to jump-start her own writing), but the book mostly does not talk down it its young audience. The illustrations by Sean Qualls are simple and effective, tackling difficult subjects with clarity and sensitivity.

Dunbar is not a well-known voice in American poetry, although he should be. Like one of the poets who inspired him, James Whitcomb Riley, he was a populist who wrote in local dialect as well as standard English, a gifted performer who attracted large audiences to his readings. Because it has been often misused, there is an academic distaste for writing in dialect, particularly black dialect, but Derby points out that Dunbar was a careful listener, honoring the speech patterns of the people he grew up with, the people who told him their stories and taught him their songs.

Dunbar's poem "Sympathy" is the original source of the words associated with Maya Angelou: "I know why the caged bird sings". The poem is printed in its entirety here, along with many others in both dialect and standard English. I was especially taken with "We Wear the Mask", which has a wonderful dialogue with Qualls' illustration.

Dunbar packed a lot into his 33 years, lived mostly at the end of the 19th century (he died in 1906). This book will hopefully help him find a new century of readers in the 21st.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neat little children's book that tells the story of the life of one of my favorite poets, Paul Laurence Dunbar. I am rather lukewarm to the author's use of an informal (grandmotherly) narrative voice to tell the story. I suppose such a device is more effective when the book is read aloud. The majority of the poems, though not all, shared in the book are of the informal dialectical sort, reflecting the speech he heard growing up. Personally, I am drawn more to his formal poems, where he articulates himself quite simply but profoundly. Nevertheless, the book is nice introduction to one of America's greatest poets who sadly died much too young.

[J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great introduction to the American poetic legend. The persona with which the story is told pulls the reader in and disarms the critic. Examples of his poetic masterpieces are expertly woven in with his biography. After hearing several of his works performed, I am an even bigger fan of his knack for capturing life on the page.

The author provides plenty of historical context, so that one walks away knowing more about Dunbar, and also more about what life was like for African Americans during the late 1800s. I highly recommend to those interested in great poets!

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had seen something on the Ohio History Connection site about Paul Dunbar and was curious to know more. I got online at my library and reserved this book not realizing it was a children's book. To tell the truth, I was a bit disappointed when I realized that. However, I was wrong to be disappointed. This is a very powerful telling of his story. It may be written for children, but it's also a very good read for adults.

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The famous Paul Laurence Dunbar's poems are translated into a kid-friendly book to show the kids the wonderful poetry he wrote. it is accompanied by black and white illustrations. I give this book a 3 because of the great literature but hard to read structure.

[Nava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about this book, it was just wonderfully written. I love the grandma character and the author's back and forth while writing this biography.
Paul Lawrence Dunbar was such an iconic poet and I am glad I now know about his life and writings.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read (and read about) both the poems written in standard English and the poems written in dialect. Fascinating life of an Ohio poet!

[Aud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for discussion. Great voice, not ownvoices. Interesting subject, learned a lot. Easy to read, loved the poems selected to make author’s points.

[Lisa Muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that serves as a good introduction to Paul Laurence Dunbar, but it fails to capture the voice of Dunbar himself. Useful, but not stellar.

[Tatumhart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dunbar's poetry is great. This overview of his life was insightful and well-researched. But, I used this book as a read-aloud and had to edit some of the language on the fly.

[Lisa Muller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that serves as a good introduction to Paul Laurence Dunbar, but it fails to capture the voice of Dunbar himself. Useful, but not stellar.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charmingly written & a wonderful book about a poet who should be much better known!

[Jennifer Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jump Back, Paul: The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Sally Derby
Candlewick Press
This book has not only an Ohio connection, but a Dayton, Ohio connection, which is one reason I appreciated it so much. Kid here have heard of Paul Laurence Dunbar, are taught about this fellow high schooler of Orville and Wilbur Wright, can visit his home just west of downtown, and can probably even recite some of his poetry. (Most adult readers will be familiar with his line from Sympathy, "I know what the caged bird feels, alas!")
The voice of this book is distinct, reminiscent of a grandmother sharing Dunbar's story. There wouldn’t be a story without the inclusion of some of the poems written by Dunbar, and since his poems couldn’t tell his entire story either, this is a wonderful combination of both.
Speaking of combinations, both the classical and dialect styles of poetry he wrote are included showing Dunbar’s skill as a poet. After Dunbar's story is completely told, the reader comes to understand why the dialect poetry was so important. His decision to write in dialect had to do with the fact that whites did it incorrectly, and it was what sold the best, but writing in dialect also brought with it criticism by other African Americans. The selection of poems seems appropriate for young readers. I worried at first that children would have trouble reading the poetry in dialect, but we are taught how to read them and, used as a read-aloud, this could have a big impact. By the end, I enjoyed the dialect poetry more than the classical poetry. It is easy to jump around in the book and read the poems found most interesting, and spending time leisurely reflecting on the poems and ideas.
Primitive black and white illustrations complement and expand the text. While there is no photograph of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the melancholy acrylic and pencil illustrations seem to match the poetry better than photographs could have. Also, graphics on each chapter title page provide hints of what is to come. The book has a nice feel and size and I liked the design and distinctive title.
Supplemental material includes a Chronology, Timeline, Index, Source Notes, and Bibliography. Side Trips on the Research Journey by chapter and acknowledgements round it out. Derby has contacted Dunbar experts for this book's research.
Although the fictional grandma voice seems authentic, it creates a blurry line in terms of what is fiction and what is true, an issue that pops up more and more often with current "creative" nonfiction. An author's notes explains how Derby handled factual debates throughout the telling, which to me were very clear as I read it.
This would be especially appealing to the African American children in our community who finally have an accessible book about Dunbar, and a biography about this local hero which also fits into the 100-page biography requirement (ha!). But I would highly recommend this title to readers from all over, not just Dayton, interested in poetry and dialect as well.

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=7967

I came into this book not knowing much about Paul Laurence Dunbar aside from knowing that the line “I know why the caged bird sings” was written by him which inspired Maya Angelou’s autobiography’s title; however, I didn’t know much else about his life or his poetry. Derby’s book does a fantastic job remedying that. Not only are you exposed to more than 20 of Dunbar’s poems, you are exposed to them in very specific ways as Derby tells Dunbar’s life story. Each poem’s inclusion is purposeful and perfectly timed. When finished, I wanted to read more of Dunbar’s poems and actually hear some of them being performed (his dialect poems are screaming to be read aloud). Qualls also does a brilliant job, as always, illustrating the tone of the text in beautiful black-and-white drawings.

This book not only can be used to share information about Paul Laurence Dunbar’s life and his poetry, but it also includes fascinating information about what it was like to live after the Emancipation Proclamation then after Plessy v. Ferguson.

First, in an English classroom, this text truly puts Dunbar’s poems in a perspective which will allow more depth when analyzing. The way Derby set up the narrative of Dunbar’s life around his poems helps the reader understand the underlying meaning of his poetry even better than they would with a cold read.

Also, cross-curricularly while studying Dunbar’s poems, during history, a tie-in to this tumultuous time period would be easy and effective. The time period that Dunbar lived in is not often discussed as it is a time after slavery but before segregation that many students may not know about.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this biography Paul Laurence Dunbar, who I'd never heard of, but this is such a terrific book! It has a story told about Paul Dunbar's life, which is told in an amazing voice, and interspersed with the story are Paul's poems. The poems are a real study in what life was like back around the Civil War Reconstruction period. On one hand, there are poems with beautiful sentiments and gorgeous language and images and on the other hand, he wrote poems in an African American dialect that also show that same beauty of language and image but in a completely different way. This is a terrific book and I can't wait to put it in my library.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This bio about Paul Laurence Dunbar reads similarly to Rhythm Ride by Pinkney. The voice is animated and speaks to the reader. Poetry is woven throughout text to show the evolution of the writer as well as how events in his life inspired his work.

I learned a lot from this book and I liked the way it encouraged the reader to ask questions based on the info being presented and to just plain be curious about the world. I also appreciated that the text sometimes made guesses at things but backed it up with research.

Back matter consists of an author's note, timeline, source notes, and selected bibliography.

Acrylic and pencil illustrations.

Recommended for grades 6-8+.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of Dunbar's life told in first person by an unnamed "grandma-like" narrator who sounds African American. Adds "her" opinions ("I always laugh when I think about this" etc), makes it a laidback personal take on the poet. Book doesn't shy away from depicting the racial injustices he suffered and how he wrote his feelings into his poetry. Liberally quotes many of his poems to illustrate parts of his life story. Black and white paintings, those I wasn't so wild about. I think they would have been much more effective in color, as the cover is.

[Salamah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the life of Dunbar. This is a book geared towards elementary students but once again I think it may be best used in middle school. My favorite part about the book is the fact that some of the poems are written in Negro dialect. I enjoyed reading aloud the words from the past.
The one thing that tugged at me was how hard Dunbar worked to become a poet. He worked hard in high school. When he graduated though there were not many opportunities for a Black man to write and earn money. If he was living at another time, I wonder what more he could have become.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this one. I loved that the author included so much of Dunbar's poetry. I really enjoyed getting to read them because I was not familiar with his poetry before reading this book. Overall, though, I thought the author was trying to hard to make the narrator come off as folksy and it was distracting at times. It also made the narration feel disjointed. I would be interested to read more about Paul Laurence Dunbar, though.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Jump Back, Paul was like sitting around a rocking chair listening to Grandma or a teacher telling you a story. The narrative is done in such a way that it flows seamlessly into the poems and back again. The story of Paul Lauren Dunbar is told in an engaging way that is easy to understand.

I received a copy of this book for award consideration

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this biography of Dunbar. He is a poet I didn't know a lot about, and it was enjoyable to learn about his life. I did read many of the poems in here out loud, as it helped me understand them. My favorite was "A Negro Love Song" because it brought back memories of reciting that as a group with Ashley Bryan.

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this engaging biography, Sally Derby gets right to the heart of Paul Laurence Dunbar and his poetry. She chose to write directly to the reader and did an amazing job of drawing in that reader. The illustrations match the feel of the story perfectly.