Say Her Name Review

 Module 1

Say Her Name by Zetta Elliot

Bibliography
Elliott, Z. (2020). Say her name (L. Wise, Illus.). Disney/Jump At The Sun. ISBN 9781368045247.

Summary
This young adult poetry book is geared towards young, Black women. The cover is adorned with the phrase “Poems to Empower” and that is exactly what Elliot does. The book opens with a table of contents cataloging 42 poems with 7 haikus dispersed throughout. Next, readers will find an introduction by Elliot explaining her start in poetry and her passion for empowering Black women, as they are often forgotten in the protests. She explains here that she includes four poems from other authors which have been her inspiration. The backmatter includes an extensive notes section about many of the poems, acknowledgements, credits for the four borrowed poems, and information pages about the author and illustrator.

Analysis
Elliot has composed nearly 50 poems of assorted topics, set in various time periods, but with a unifying message that Black women are worthy. It is important to note the publication year of 2020 as it is new and highly relevant to young readers. Many of the topics addressed and references made are contemporary. For example, “free Bresha/free Rousse/free Ahed/free Cyntoia” (56) and “we will kneel/on the field & we will climb/ up that flagpole &/ we will tear down that monument” (28) are both lines taken from poems that reference current events related to black people and their mistreatment in the judicial system. Some other poems allusions are not so obvious, but the notes in the back make them understood. Haiku 2 is an allusion made clear by the notes about Sandra Bland who died in police custody after a traffic stop “driving while black and/ woman can get you killed so/ check your blind spot, girl” (20). These poems and their references will resonate with contemporary readers.

 Elliot relies on rhythm rather than rhyme to entrance the reader like in her emboldening poem Panther “I would rather be/ a panther/ sleek and wild/ an untamable beast/ who already knows/ how it feels to be free/ a fierce fighter/ feared and endangered” (p. 18). Along with allusions to the movie Black Panther and the political party The Black Panthers, this is a beautiful metaphor of a Black woman, strong and protective, feared and respected. The poem entitled Sister has an engrossing rhythm and a message of unity that is sure to empower readers  with its repetition “you are the mirror/ that never betrays me/ you are the balm/ that heals all my wounds…sister/ you are the bond/ never forfeited/ the promise/ always kept/ you are the blessing/ that compensates for/ the world’s injustice” (p. 55)

 With the poems commenting on mistreatment of black girls, the heritage that their hair represents, the power they wield especially when they stand together, microaggressions they experience, and historic horrors their families have endured, the illustrations are bold, yet do not overtake the pages nor the message. Using thick lines and bright colors, Wise’s illustrations tactfully complement the poems.

 Excerpt

 For My People
if you ever dream
of mothering dragons
if you take tea with hobbits
or call hermoine kin
if you aren’t afraid
to walk leopards on leashes
or ride alligators
don’t lose your nerve
folks may stare in wonder
be quick to mock & malign
but deep down they marvel at your daring
& envy your courage to be open
about what it is you truly love
it’s not easy being alien
but know that you are not alone
we are abandoning the margins
rejecting the boundaries of Blackness
& making more room
For everyone 

Activity
We would first read as a class, with myself or a volunteer reading aloud. Then, in pairs or small groups, they would take turns reading the poem aloud to one another. This repetitive practice from each person getting a chance to speak it and be heard would reinforce the message that we all have our quirks that we hide from others, but we also must make room for everyone. Then, we would share out something about ourselves that may not “fit” with society’s expectation of what we should like or do. This could be done verbally or written in poetic form.

Reviews
From Kirkus: “It's clear that Elliott poured not only her talent, but her heart into this collection, which acknowledges race-wide struggles as well as very personal ones.”

 From School Library Journal: “This collection is inspirational, uplifting, and encouraging for readers of all genders. Elliott may not think of herself as a poet, but her creativity and deft wielding of rich language prove otherwise.”