There Was a Party for Langston
By Jason Reynolds
The Story
A joyous celebration erupts at Harlem's Schomburg Library in honor of Langston Hughes, as word-children like Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka gather to dance, stomp, and recite poems at their hero's feet.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves rhythm, wordplay, and stories that feel like they're bursting off the page, this one turns a library into a dance floor.
- Big idea: Words can build community — one voice's legacy can ripple outward and inspire generations of new voices.
- Vibes: Jubilant, rhythmic, drum-beat energy with deep reverence underneath the celebration.
Perfect For Kids Who
- love rhythm, rhyme, and language that bumps like a drumbeat
- are curious about real poets and history-makers like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou
- like to move, stomp, and dance along with a story
- respond well to books that celebrate Black art and culture
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & connection: Why do you think so many people wanted to come celebrate Langston Hughes at the Schomburg Library?
- Imagination: If you threw a party for your favorite writer or artist, who would come and what would you do?
- Language & rhythm: Can you clap out the bumping, jumping, thumping beat from the book?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever felt inspired by someone's words to make something of your own?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Langston's word-children felt reciting poems in his honor?
