Finding Langston

 

Bibliography
Cline-Ransome, Lesa, 2018. FINDING LANGSTON. York, PA. ISBN 978082344582. 

Plot Summary
Taking place post World War II, in 1946, young Langston faces hardship early on. Between losing his beloved mother and moving from Alabama to Chicago, Langston is experiencing a mixture of deep, difficult feelings. However, it seems the one thing that has shone a bright light during this difficult time is having access to the Chicago Public Library. He begins to find solace in the library and ultimately, finds peace in the poetry works of Langston Hughes. 

Critical Analysis
Cline-Ransome writes about sweet, young Langston, who is grieving his mother's death and dealing with the immediate changes as best as he can. Langston and his father leave their home in Alabama after his mother's death to move up north to Chicago. Langston's story takes place in 1946, which is right after World War II. Many families from the South migrated up North for better job opportunities, as Langston's father does as soon as they reach Chicago. Langston has a hard time accepting the move, as he misses his mom, his home in Alabama, and overall the family he used to have. Now, he holds on to the memories of country life in Alabama and the sweet traditions his family would partake in. While adjusting to city life, a small apartment, and a new school in Chicago, Langston discovers a newfound peace in the Chicago Public Library and in Langston Hughes poetry books. He is fascinated by the library and ecstatic to learn all residents are welcome to visit, after experiencing segregation down South. More information regarding the Great Migration, Chicago's booming population, rural Alabama, and the George Cleveland Hall Branch of the Chicago Public Library can be found in the author's note. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Readers who struggle with grief, identity, racism, bullying, or loneliness will find their experiences reflected in this beautifully written novel, which has a satisfying, but not-too-tidy ending." 
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A fascinating work of historical fiction that showcases a well-developed, likable protagonist and presents Cline-Ransome at her best." 

Connections
- For readers who can relate to moving to a new state, missing their hometown and the memories made.
- For readers interested in a story told post World War II, during the Great Migration. 
- For young readers who can relate to finding peace and self confirmation in visiting the library.
- Similar book recommendations:
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. LEAVING LYMON. ISBN 9780823449422
Cline-Ransome, Lesa. BEING CLEM. ISBN 9780823452415
Watson, Reneé. SOME PLACES MORE THAN OTHERS. ISBN 9781681191102

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