Review: Biographical Poetry

Title: The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

Author: Margarita Engle

Illustrator: Sean Qualls

ISBN: 0-8050-7706-5

Citation: Engle, Margarita. The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006.

Awards: A Junior Library Guild Selection

Review: In The Poet Slave of Cuba, Margarita Engle honors the life of Cuban poet Juan Francisco through a biography written in verse. Born into slavery, Manzano's tragic life is presented from a variety of perspectives including that of himself, his parents, his multiple owners, and even the overseer of the unspeakable punishment Manzano is forced to endure. Documenting the countless injustices suffered by Manzano throughout his life, Engle's haunting tone sets an appropriately grim mood that will leave readers disturbed, yet inspired. The rhythm and cadence in each poem allow the story to be told with fluidity. Complementing the overall solemnity of the biography is the art of Sean Qualls that adds a visual element that only enhances the already sensory-rich language. Additional information provided at the end of the biography gives readers a historical background to Juan Francisco Manzano's life as well as samples of his poetry. Though heavy and emotionally wrenching, Manzano's faith in the midst of his tragic circumstances will inspire and bring hope to readers.

Potential Use: The Poet Slave of Cuba gives readers the unique opportunity to experience the anguish of slavery from a slave's perspective. For older students, this biography can be paired with a study on Cuban history, or even the history of slavery in the United States in order to add a human element to this tragic period in our past. The poems throughout the biography, especially those from Juan's perspective such as the one that follows, will create an emotional connection for students that won't soon be forgotten.

Juan (p. 74)

Fireflies, music, angels,

birds, wings,

God,

why?

These are just a few

of the words I find

for songs to sing

and rhymes to rhyme

while my mother and I

try stay alive

waiting for mercy

or death

whichever comes first –

or are they

the same?