A review by cpoole
The Blacker the Berry by Joyce Carol Thomas

4.0

Thomas, Joyce C, and Floyd Cooper. The Blacker the Berry: Poems. New York: HarperCollins, 2008. Print. 32 p.
Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrator 2009

Poems accompanied by expert, detailed illustrations explain the various skin tones of African-Americans. Written from the points of view of children, the verses use many metaphors, mainly berries, to describe diversity of appearances. Though the poetry is simple, and acceptable for young children, a deeper meaning is explored. Children realize the way their ancestors contribute to their appearance. The Blacker the Berry is appropriate for children of all ages, however may be too deep for the very young. A lesson in similes and metaphor is befitting to go along with this title. Children will make metaphors about their own personal appearances and then share them with the group.