The Poet Slave of Cuba Audiobook

" I would have never thought to write a book using poetry "

" Interesting (and sad) story. Not super sold on the poetry format - may have liked it more if I hadn't read 'Your Own, Sylvia' already: the two seemed a little too similar. Still, a worthwhile read for high school students. The text is certainly accessible although the format is different. "

" Pura Belpre "

" Written in verse, this book follows the life of Juan Francisco Manzano. Manzano is a slave who can write and recite verses. His mother and the rest of his family have been freed. For his talent, he is not. Unfortunately, he is mistreated by his owner, a mistress who owns a sugar plantation. "

" This was an enlightening book, but sad to read due to the violent slave life he lived. "

" I really enjoyed reading this book. It tells the story of Juan Francisco Manzano's life through poetry. The poetry was beautiful and descriptive. It is a beautiful book. "

" i just luv da way she made poetry into a biography. "

" This book came out of no where for me. It is one that really pulls you in and gets you to hope for the best. It is unbelievable how people can be so detached from reality and yet be surrounded by those who are not. Great read! "

" I really enjoyed this book. There were many times I just wanted to reach into the pages and rescue Juan. Definitely a must read. "

" This book is hard to get through because of its intense subject matter--slavery. It is well-written, though, and sparks an interest in Cuban history. "

" Wonderful poetry! Also, the audiobook is excellent! Highly recommended for all audiences, though some of the descriptions of slavery might be disturbing to less mature elementary school students. "

" Knowing a little bit about Juan Francisco Manzano would have been helpful before beginning this biography in verse told by alternating narrators. But the poetry is beautiful and demands close attention. "

" Another YA book told in poetry that shares the life of Cuban poet, Juan Francisco Manzano. He lived as a slave in the late 1700's. His life and poetry share the blight and hope of life for Cuban slaves in that time. "

" The Poet Slave of Cuba is a fictitious account of Juan Francisco Manzano's life. It is partially based upon his autobiography, but the full material did not survive. I liked Margarita Engle's extrapolation of the emotional depth and breadth of Juan and his experiences. The narration was excellent. "

" A very quick read. Margarita Engle tells the historical fiction story of the Cuban poet-slave, Juan Francisco Manzano. She very cleverly tells his tale in poetic verse from the alternating perspectives of Juan, his mother, his owners, the overseer, and a friend (son of one of his owners). "

" Written entirely in verse, this was a different take on the story of a slave. Interesting background information and sources for further reading about Manzano are included in the back. "

" Beautifully written! Our children can learn about history and culture through this wonderfully woven story. "

" This is a beautifully written biography told in the form of poetry. The book explores multiple sides of a complex story. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys biography, memoir, and/or poetry. "

" This is a gorgeous little book, with a great story told through poems. <br/><br/>Really, it's a quick read, with unbelievably wonderful lines and phrases. More than once, I caught myself repeating aloud what had just been read.<br/><br/>Good stuff that is well worth your time. "

" I would have never thought to write a book using poetry "

" Interesting (and sad) story. Not super sold on the poetry format - may have liked it more if I hadn't read 'Your Own, Sylvia' already: the two seemed a little too similar. Still, a worthwhile read for high school students. The text is certainly accessible although the format is different. "

" Margarita Engle tells the haunting story of a brilliant and tortured boy, Juan Francisco Manzano, in this breathtaking collection of poems. The language use and voice of the narrative pays homage to everything about life that Manzano was able to love, even under his brutal living conditions. "

" Do we take our freedom for granted? This Incredible story about Cuban poet Juan Francisco Manzano is told in free verse. "