LS 5663 Module 2: NTCE Award Winning Poet

The Inner City Mother Goose

Merriam, Eve. 1996. THE INNER CITY MOTHER GOOSE. Ill. by David Diaz. NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-689-80677-9

Review: 

With her book THE INNER CITY MOTHER GOOSE, Eve Merriam provides readers with an opportunity to observe the reality of the plight of the inner city.  This version of her book, which was originally published in 1969, is the first version published specifically for young adults. Published in 1996, it includes an introduction by poet Nikki Giovanni and illustrations by Caldecott Award-winning artist David Diaz.

While the language in some of Merriam's poems may seem shocking, it, unfortunately, accurately depicts the lives of many of our inner city children. Books such as this may be the best way to bridge the gap between our inner city and suburban youth. 

In an introduction to the book written in 1982, Merriam equates her poems to the political uses of the original Mother Goose rhymes. She is writing about the social and political issues of our times using Mother Goose characters. She gave us over 70 poems relating to issues such as inadequate housing, unemployment, crime and violence, and police corruption, among others.  

Her poems describe rather than endorse a lifestyle. However, Eve Merriam calls her book "just about the most banned book in the country". When the book came under fire in Massachusetts, though, a Baltimore television official defended it by saying, "it deals with the truth. Perhaps this is why it offends some of us."

Caldecott Award-winning artist David Diaz beautifully illustrates the book with ten full-color illustrations of boldly outlined characters. The vivid colors and heavy shading perfectly complement the juxtaposition of Merriam's poetry.

Highlighted Poem:

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep


Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

I pray the double lock will keep;

May no brick through the window break,

And no one rob me till I wake.

Possible Uses: 

While it uses Mother Goose rhymes as a foundation, this book is definitely for older children. Middle and High School teachers should use this book as an introduction to political and social injustices or self expression.