This memoir tells the story of two sisters who both lived to be over 100 years old. There is so much history to unpack in this book. Sadie and Bessie were the children of slaves and grew to become professionals living in Harlem, New York. One became a teacher and one became a dentist. This is a perfect book to help students learn about and explore their own history within their own families.
Shakur, T. The Rose
that grew from Concrete. New
York: Pocket books: 1999. ISBN:
0-671-02844-8. 149 pgs. $7.67 (from amazon.com)
After Tupac’s death in 1996, this book of poems was introduced in 1999. Tupac’s writing is on the left side of the page (sometimes
with illustrations) next to a typed version of the same poem on the right hand
side of the page.There are 4
sections of this book described below.
1st section: “The rose that grew from concrete”These poems show a spiritual side to Tupac.He dedicates several poems to God, his
friends, family or other celebrities. Tupac was never willing to quit achieving, reaching, striving
for his goals even when it was tough.
2nd section: “Nothing Can Come Between Us”Many of these poems he dedicates to someone close to him and even signs
the bottom of the page.He writes
about heartache and passion, faithfulness and unfaithfulness, kisses and tears,
and a love that will last forever.Maybe he wasn’t just a gangster rapper.
3rd section: “Just
a Breath of Freedom”In this
section he dedicates poems to Nelson Mandela, fallen friends, stars or
heroes.He writes about
topics like unemployment, drugs, poverty, pain, teenage mothers, and racism.He writes with a sense of pride and
dignity that he will make it through despite all odds against him.
4th section: “Liberty Needs Glasses”His poem titled “Liberty Needs Glasses” is clever and sheds light on
injustice in our world.This section of the book also contains
several of his most difficult poems to read – about the dangers in his life,
how he felt alone, confused, and abused in no-win situations with days and
nightmares filled with anger and hate.
My recommendation: This is a must read for 2pac fans, for adults and for teens alike – get to know this talented rapper Tupac on a
personal level! In the mean time,
keep your head up!
Here is an interview from youtube on 2Pac's thoughts on
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