MY FEET ARE LAUGHING

Sadie is a young Dominican-American who lives in Harlem with her mom and sister in her grandma’s house. She’s eight years old and full of spirit; Norman’s poetry brings her vividly to life. In 16 poems, she chats about her feelings toward her dad and mom’s separation (“Mami and Pop Are Good Friends”), her grandma (“Heaven is Where Grandma Lives”) and her six-year-old sister (“My Feet Are Laughing”). The free verse typifies her age, as in, “Love is Crystal telling / Rolando from down the street / that she likes his blue-and-orange jersey / and Rolando wearing it almost every day.” Each poem is accompanied by a double-page spread of illustrations as energetic as Sadie. Long curving lines exaggerate space and make the interiors cozy, as do the mellow and delicious shades of chocolate, purple and yellow. Sure to make readers’ feet laugh. (Picture book/poetry. 6-8)