Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

by Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera (Illustrator)

A picture book biography about Gwendolyn Brooks, the influential poet and the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Genres: Picture Books, Poetry, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Biography Memoir

48 pages, Hardcover

Published April 7, 2020

About the author

Sibert honoree author of more than 150 books for chlldren.

Reviews

[ij · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book biography on poet Gwendolyn Brooks.

Gwendolyn grow up in Chicago and was exposed to poetry, early. Books of poetry were in the families bookcases and her father often read poetry to the family at night. Gwendolyn started to write poems herself and soon submitted some into contests. She was surprised when she won. She was shy and not popular in school but she continued to write.

Later as an adult and struggling writer she published two books. The poet was the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize. When Gwendolyn first heard of this honor her electricity had been turn off and she almost did not answer the phone expecting a bill collector.

The book was written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by by Cozbi A. Cabrera.

Great book for ages 6-9.

Black History Month Read

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poem southside Chicago poet Gwendolyn Brooks wrote when she was fifteen:

Clouds.

Oh, when I look into the sky / And see those quiet clouds, / Now all arrayed in fleecy white, / Now dressed in colored shrouds,

It seems I cannot draw my eye / From that rich, heaven-land / And drinking in the wise expanse, / I filled with rapture stand.

Unheedful of my transfixed state, / They float serenely by, / Those stately clouds / Calm sentries of the sky.

How can I fear to leave the earth / When heaven holds this glow! / Cloud-colored happiness and peace / Await me there, I know.

When she was asked how she saw the future, she said she hoped it would be as exquisite as those sunset clouds. She grew up rather poor (at times) in material things, even into her first marriage, and poetry did not pay the light bills. But she became the Poet Laureate of Illinois and the first African American woman winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry.

The text from Suzanna Slade is thoughtful and joyous, though not denying the struggles, and the bright watercolor illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera are exquisite.

Here's a couple iconic poems from her work:

We Real Cool
The Pool Players.
Seven at the Golden Shovel.

We real cool. We
Left school. We

Lurk late. We
Strike straight. We

Sing sin. We
Thin gin. We

Jazz June. We
Die soon.

(from The Bean Eaters, 1960)

And because today is Valentine's Day:

To Be in Love
To be in love
Is to touch with a lighter hand.

In yourself you stretch, you are well.

You look at things
Through his eyes.
A cardinal is red.
A sky is blue.
Suddenly you know he knows too.
He is not there but
You know you are tasting together
The winter, or a light spring weather.

His hand to take your hand is overmuch.
Too much to bear.

You cannot look in his eyes
Because your pulse must not say
What must not be said.

When he
Shuts a door —

Is not there—
Your arms are water.

And you are free
With a ghastly freedom.

You are the beautiful half
Of a golden hurt.

You remember and covet his mouth
To touch, to whisper on.

Oh when to declare
Is certain Death!

Oh when to apprize
Is to mesmerize,

To see fall down, the Column of Gold,
Into the commonest ash.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful tribute to Gwendolyn Brooks who persevered through hardships to write poetry that challenged people to change the way they think about things and more closely examine themselves. I loved that her father read poetry aloud to her as a child and her mother encouraged her in her writing.

They were her champions and "writing became like eating and breathing to Gwendolyn [...] She carefully strung words together like elegant jewels in perfect meter and time." Gwendolyn won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1950.

From the author's note: "Gwendolyn often wrote about the real-life topics that were important to her, such as love, loneliness, family, inequality, poverty, and war." The author has included a timeline and select bibliography at the back of the book, which I intend to use to seek out some of Gwendolyn's poetry.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perseveramce pays off in this picture book biography about Pulitzer Prize winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks.
Bonus - take a peek at the front and back covers under the book jacket for some different illustrations of Gwendolyn. They are a lot of fun!

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite is the perfect name for this book.
Exquisite the life.
Exquisite the art.
Exquisite the writing.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the poets that I read in college literature classes, Gwendolyn Brooks was my favorite, because I loved her slice-of-life focus and intuitive rhythms. This book does justice to her style and legacy, and the illustrations are colorful, detailed, and gorgeous. It also has a powerful message about enduring through hard times and having the determination to succeed regardless of life's obstacles. I really enjoyed this picture book biography, and would recommend it to fans of Brooks and to people who want an introduction to her life and work.

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This book is very nicely researched and has lovely drawings throughout the book. You can definitely tell this was a passion project of two fans of the poet. The only things keeping me from rating this higher is we only got one poem when the title mentions “the poems and life…” of the famous poet. We got quotes and a good idea of her life but think we could have had more poems throughout the book since she even wrote a kid’s book herself. Another this was the print was a bit small for me and the kids reading the book. Maybe a bolder font on a reprint would help. I’m definitely interested in reading her poetry in the future and am glad to have read about such an important woman.

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children/ Nonfiction book
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is another book about the life of Gwendolyn Brooks. You may have read or remember the earlier A Song for Gwendolyn by Alice Faye Duncan and Zia Gordon. There is also a great article about Brooks from BrainPickings. This morning, this book was given a Coretta Scott King Illustrator honor book award!
This book is full of poetry, too, some in Suzanne Slade's words that tells the story, some of Gwenolyn's own. It begins at her birth, all the way through early struggles, her marriage, still challenged by money and keeping the electric bill paid, all the way to her surprising win of the Pulitzer prize and her continuing writing, writing. She showed that love of words all her life, a first poem published at age seven! The illustrations by Cozbi A. Cabrera seem poetic, too, following the text with varied pages, from landscapes of her Southside Chicago neighborhood to skyscapes as Geraldine's "words drifted into the world". There is an author's note, a timeline, and additional sources and acknowledgments. One last thing, Gwendolyn, from youth to adult, is everywhere on the pages, which I loved.

[Gary Anderson]

With Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks (Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2020), Suzanne Slade delivers another outstanding picture book biography of a notable woman of color. Slade focuses on how words and poetry permeated the life of young Gwendolyn. The text evokes the voice of Ms. Brooks with its accessible elegance and use of rhyme and other sound devices. (As I said in my earlier review of A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan, I was privileged to know Ms. Brooks a little bit in her later years, and I cannot help but refer to her as Ms. Brooks.) Cozbi A. Cabrera’s illustrations are vibrant with bright pastels showing realistic family life scenes as well as imaginative depictions of the young poet swept up in pages, books, and images. I also appreciate how Cabrera’s portrayals of Ms. Brooks accurately convey her facial expressions as I remember them. The back matter includes a useful timeline and bibliography, although I wish it included Children Coming Home (The David Company, 1991), Ms. Brooks’s wonderful and frequently overlooked collection for children; an informative author’s note; and heartfelt acknowledgments from the author and illustrator. Exquisite may be the just-right book to affirm young socially-awkward dreamers who are fascinated by playing with the music of words.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biography of Gwendolyn Brooks for elementary level readers.
Slade takes readers from Gwendolyn's childhood through winning the Pulitzer Prize. The text is easy to follow and captures the challenges and joys in her life. Illustrations are beautiful to look at and help readers see into her life and mind as she follows her passion for writing.
Informative text at the end of the book.

[Mariah Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A picture book biography about Gwendolyn Brooks, the influential poet and the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize."

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks by Suzanne Slade
This is a fascinating bio of Brooks, from childhood to adult, including her winning a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry book. The bio includes quotes from Gwendolyn and others, and includes only one of her poems, "Clouds" (with permission). The back matter includes an author's note, a timeline, sources for the quotes, and a bibliography. The beautiful acrylic illustrations were rendered by Cozbi A. Cabrera, who also creates original cloth dolls and clothing; and has been featured on Oprah.

[Christine Kallner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in my stack of 2021 ALA award books. This one received both a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor & a Sibert Honor. The colors in this book are just stunning! Even as an adult, I love picture book biographies as beautiful introductions to important figures from history, literature, etc and they just make me want to learn/read more. I immediately picked up her Children’s poetry book Bronzeville Boys and Girls I have on my shelf & will be reading that next.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite is a wonderful picture book biography that tackles the life and work (particularly the first half of her life and work) of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks. First published when she was only eleven years old, Brooks' career lasted until her death at the age of 83. This picture book biography uses a great sense of rhythm to poetically share some of the important details of Brooks' life, particularly up to the point where she was awarded the Pulitzer. There are also great notes and timelines at the end that add to the information you can learn here.

I don't think I've read anything from Suzanne Slade before, but I'll definitely keep my eyes out for more of her picture book biographies. I had actually read one thing illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera previously, also about Black women poets from history, Legacy: Women Poets of the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes, and I'll definitely be on the lookout for her illustrations in the future.

I would definitely recommend this one, especially for fans of history and/or poetry!

[Mark Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's only February but I'll be surprised if I read a better children's picture book this year. Simply a classic. The acrylic artwork is amazing — every page something to savor. And the story is fabulous, about a little girl who loved to write and whose family got buffeted by the Great Depression just as she was getting praise for her poetry while still a teenager. Then getting married and having a baby but plugging away at her writing and taking night classes in poetry. Her electricity being shut off for lack of payment when she receives a phone call that she won the Pulitzer Prize. It chokes me up just thinking of how it's portrayed here. A joyful, wonderful book. It includes a poem she wrote at age 15.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book as a virtual read aloud with author Suzanne Slade and illustrator, Cozbi A. Cabrera splitting the reading up. I'm excited we'll be getting this book in our library very soon!

[Phobean · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting peek into the life of one of the most important poets in the US. One thing that I questioned was how the book seemed to emphasize Gwendolyn's family's lack of resources while the illustrations told a different story. The opening line is "Gwendolyn grew up in the big city of Chicago with little money to spare," but the acrylic painting shows her in an apartment with fashionable wallpaper, drapes, arm chair, wood floors, and huge book case. Later, she's playing an upright piano. Ok. According to the illustrations the poet's family is middle class, maybe even Black upper middle / owning class. They recite poetry together and she is self-possessed enough to submit poems to contests as a child, and then she goes to college (as a woman)! I know that a person raised working class or poor can engage in these pursuits, sure. However, I worry this book is trying for a rags-to-riches / underdog dynamic that misunderstands Black wealth (in the way that many non-Black people misunderstand it, assuming that Black and white wealth should look the same), even while it attempts to highlight Black intellectual wealth. The painterly illustrations are little stiff, but I particularly enjoyed the spread where Gwendolyn sits on the floor in her lovely dresses to write poetry.

Finally, you can hear this story read aloud by a Hamilton cast member online: https://bit.ly/3myC9ZJ

[SaraCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

My main disappointment with this book is that it say "The Poetry... of Gwendolyn Brooks," yet there is only one of her poems printed in the book. So, I think it would be more appropriately titled simply: "Exquisite: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks."

I liked the flow of the verse in telling a simple biography of Brooks. It felt an appropriate level of detailed for young readers (or those who still enjoy having an adult/older person read to them). The illustrations really help bring Brooks' story to life.

As an adult reading this book, I am now fascinated to learn more about her and especially I want to try some of her poetry. I'm not someone who has found a lot of connection with poetry in the past, but the one poem included in this book was so beautiful I think maybe it's just I hadn't yet come across a poet whose poems I could feel something from. The two collections mentioned in this book are: A Street in Bronzeville and Annie Allen.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Suzanne Slade and illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera introduce readers to the Exquisite poet Gwendolyn Brooks, who “wrote about understanding your identity--who you are on the inside.” She “overshadowed and transcended lack, limitation, oppression, and every established boundary line with the power of her discipline and the persistence of her love.” Growing up in Depression Era America, the Pulitzer Prize winning poet’s message is relevant to today’s global pandemic. Her legacy inspires readers to “dream about the future, which was going to be ecstatically exquisite, like those clouds.” In addition to her acrylic paint illustrations, I am obsessed with Cabrera’s handmade cloth dolls at cozbi.com.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book on poet, Gwendolyn Brooks. Each night her father "read fine poetry aloud, passionate and proud." This began to stir in Gwendolyn the love of poetry and the desire to write it herself. "She carefully strung words together like elegant jewels in perfect meter and time."
Gwendolyn won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her second book, "Annie Allen."

In honor of April being poetry month, I checked out several poetry books including one by Gwendolyn. I then noticed this picture book - am so glad I did.

Her poem "Clouds" that she wrote at age 15 is lovely. It is at the back of the book.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with Henry. It is incandescent! I can’t wait to find some Gwendolyn Brooks poetry to read myself. Henry and I discussed the metaphors and imagery in the writing and illustrations. The illustrator, Cozbi A. Cabrera, is a genius. Her paintings alone make this book worthwhile. Add in Gwendolyn’s story of getting published as young as 11 years old, living through the Great Depression and writing poetry about growing up on the South Side of Chicago, and the book is truly an inspiration to all readers. This book won the Coretta Scott King and Robert F. Silbert Book Awards

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like Brooks’ poetry, this book finds the beauty in everyday moments. Moreover, it shows that Black lives can be ordinary and filled with love. People on the South Side of Chicago and elsewhere struggle, but there’s also joy and poetry in their lives.

“Exquisite” celebrates how art and literature enrich our lives. The richly detailed illustrations bring the poet, her family, and her friends to life. The 2021 Coretta Scott King Honor for illustration is well deserved.

[Emma Hartis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwendolyn is a little girl who grew up in a family that did not have very much money but they did have lots of books. Every day her dad would read her poetry and she fell in love with it. As she grew up she began to write her own poetry. When she turned 11 she sent her poetry into newspapers who published her work. Writing made Gwendolyn feel powerful. She got married and had children, she ended up having publishing many books and eventually she won the Pulitzer prize.

This book has BEAUTIFUL illustrations. I enjoyed this book because it is so powerful telling a story about a different time period.

I think this would be a good book to read when teaching about biographies. This book is a really simple and easy to read example of an biography. I would have my student get into pairs and ask each other questions and right a biography about their partner.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely story about the life of famous poet Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black person to win a Pulitzer Prize. I highly recommend looking up some of her children’s poems after reading about her. I loved the illustrations in this book—they were colorful and just gorgeous.

[Abby Johnson]

This is a winning picture book biography of an amazing African American poet.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. Beautiful biography about a true writer of the world around her, Gwendolyn Brooks.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely picture book biography.

[Grace Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biography of an amazing poet- teachers could pair reading her poetry with this picture book.