ellington was not a street

This book is actually a poem created from Shange's poem "Mood Indigo" created in 1983. The poem is about Shange's childhood, which was filled with African American leaders. It showcases innovators such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, W.E.B DuBois, and many more. One aspect I find helpful is the section of biographical information at the end of the book that gives the reader more information about each man featured. This book would be better if it had a companion displaying female African-Americans of influence.
Classroom activities are available through scholastic, the publisher, at this website.

Shange, N. (1983). Ellington was not a Street. New York City: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers