I Saw Your Face

I saw a copy of this book in a vintage bookstore in Winston Salem. I was drawn to the book because the girl on the front looks like my granddaughter. But as I read the words - my heart began to swell. As I saw "her" face in all the different locations - my world view began to increase. I bought a copy for all the little girls in my life and one copy for me.

An adept educator, I have used this literary work with students in grades 2 and 3. It is an empowering, poetic tool used to help children across cultures--particularly those of African descent--understand that there is an interconnected relationship between people of African ancestry throughout the world. Walk along the streets of Harlem (New York), Bahia(South America), Sierra Leone (West Africa), Loiza (Puerto Rico); Zimbabwe (Southern Africa); Jamaica (West Indies)... In each of the faces of people in such communities, we see beautiful black similarities--ancestral traces and a rich legacy. This work helps to tell the story of a people connected despite our displacement from the Motherland because of the dehumanizing institution of slavery. By no means should this work be targeted only at the adult population. Dawe's literary effort serves as a "griot tool," passing knowledge along; Brother Feelings impressively sketched illustrations serve as an empowering visual accent. A must have item for those who embrace and confirm the reality of the worldwide African extended family!

Children's book? Not really. I think adults will understand more about this gentle, thoughtful poem accompanied by beautifully drawn faces and places. I ordered this for my public library's children's section, but it's one of those books that fit everywhere and nowhere. Read it for its beauty and forget about whether it's appropriate for children or a kids' book. It's appropriate for all even though it's not a children's book.

This is a very powerful book. The images are breathtaking and the organization of the book gives more meaning to them. This is a visual history of being African-American. Add it to your home library for your children.