PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY: Hope is an Arrow by Cory McCarthy & Ekua Holmes



ABOUT THE BOOK

A lyrical biography of Kahlil Gibran by award-winning writer Cory McCarthy, with glorious illustrations by Caldecott Honoree and two-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Ekua Holmes.

Before Kahlil Gibran ever put his pen to the page to eventually become the world's third best-selling poet of all time, he was Gibran Khalil Gibran, a child immigrant from Lebanon who had a secret hope. That hope sprung from his experiences in Lebanon, where Christians and Muslims crashed like two strong headwinds, and in Boston, where the wealthy crashed with the poor. His secret hope: to connect all people from around the world, bringing them together despite their differences and beliefs.

But how could he bring people together when he himself felt fractured? He was Kahlil Gibran, the Arab American who struggled to make a home in America, and he was Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese boy who missed his home, struggling to hold on to his roots.

Kahlil found his answer in writing poetry. Kahlil's secret hope, shot like an arrow from Lebanon, feathered by the spirit of American independence, became a book called The Prophet. And even today, Kahlil's words continue to fly around the world, bringing people together.

REVIEW

I had never heard of Kahlil Gibran when I picked up this book, but the cover was so lovely that I was intrigued.  The text introduces readers to this world-famous poet by comparing him to an arrow.  The imagery is beautiful but may be beyond the understanding of younger readers/listeners.  The author also includes snippets from Gibran's own work which helps give insight into his personal thoughts and feelings. As a picture book biography not a lot of detail is given about dates and times but the reader catches a glimpse into the heart and experiences of this man whose words have touched so many.  For myself, I appreciated the back matter which gave much more detail about Kahlil's family and experiences and when they happened.  I enjoyed comparing the photographs to Holmes' stunning art.  Holmes' collage and acrylic illustrations are beautiful and full of symbolism.  The different angles and textures all come together in amazing ways.  This is one of those picture books that works better for older elementary readers/listeners and even adults. The symbolism and poetry make this much more than a picture book biography, but a book to be pondered and studied as well as enjoyed.

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