Books like Ego-Tripping and Other Poems for Young People

Giovanni offers a voice to the unique young black American experience. The books was originally published in 1973, so a few of the cultural and social references are dated, but overwhelmingly, the pieces stand the test of time. The pride and strength encouraged and depicted here are timeless, and Giovanni pulls no punches with language choices and subjects. There are references to racism and revolution, the Black Panthers and Masai warriors. This is a collection that makes people work, but it is worth it. This is an excellent introduction to the era between the height of the civil rights movement and today. It does not flinch from addressing problems, but it is not without hope and encouragement for change. This would absolutely be invaluable to African-American students, who will see, if not themselves in these pages, at least their parents and grandparents. But it is equally important for non-black children and young adults, who could see a different perspective and view of history.