Jump Back, Paul, Sally Derby
Jump Back, Paul, Sally Derby
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Jump Back, Paul
The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Author: Sally Derby

Narrator: Bahni Turpin, Dion Graham

Unabridged: 2 hr 35 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/22/2015

Synopsis

Experience the breadth and depth of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry—and learn how it reflects his singular life as a late-nineteenth-century black man.Did you know that Paul Laurence Dunbar originated such famous lines as "I know why the caged bird sings" and "We wear the mask that grins and lies"? From his childhood in poverty and his early promise as a poet through his struggles to find acceptance as a writer and his tumultuous romance with his wife, to his immense fame and his untimely death, Dunbar’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. But his legacy remains in his much-beloved poetry—told in both Standard English and in dialect—which continues to delight and inspire readers today. More than two dozen of Dunbar’s poems are woven throughout this volume, illuminating the phases of his life and serving as examples of dialect, imagery, and tone. Narrating in a voice full of admiration and respect, Sally Derby introduces Paul Laurence Dunbar’s life and poetry to listeners young and old.

About Sally Derby

Sally Derby is the author of several books for young readers, including Kyle’s Island and No Mush Today, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell. She says, “For years, I wanted to write a book about Paul Laurence Dunbar, the famous poet from Dayton, Ohio, but I didn’t know how. Then one day, I heard a voice saying, You never heard of the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar? Child, where’ve you been? And once I’d heard that voice, I knew how to write the story.” Sally Derby lives in Cincinnati.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Becky on September 25, 2015

It had me at hello. "You never heard of the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar? Child, where've you been? I got to have a word with you. Why, back in the day, you'd have whole families sitting around listening while one of them performed "When Malindy Sings" or "Little Brown Baby" or "A Negro Love Song" (whi......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on October 25, 2015

Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of this country's premiere poets during his life, though today he is often found as a footnote in poetic history. Sally Derby knocks it out of the ballpark on this biography about him, interweaving his poetry with the background influences occurring in his life as he was......more

Goodreads review by Ashley on March 02, 2021

A middle grade biography of Paul Laurence Dunbar. Told in dialect, this book reads like a conversation with a friendly neighbor. Basic biographical highlights are included, as well as some poems and a brief criticism giving the poems context.......more

Goodreads review by Edward on April 19, 2017

An engaging, respectful portrait of Paul Laurence Dunbar through his poems and a folksy narrative voice.......more

Goodreads review by Gina on March 25, 2019

If I were just rating this on my enjoyment of it, it would be four stars, and that would be pretty good. I have to give it an extra star because I am so impressed with how the material was handled. In a comfortable, familiar voice, Derby weaves the story of Dunbar's life and poetic influences, intro......more

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