Are You Sleeping? Neo Traditional Nursery Rhymes by Detroit poet Rhonda Greene fuses collective memory and cultural reflection in verse and visual arts. In the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Greene’s poignant poetic response emerges as reimagined nursery rhymes, infusing familiar rhythms with contemporary themes and profound social commentary. Grounded in the vibrant voice of Detroit, this powerful collection of ten poems is accompanied by ten striking illustrations, created by Detroit artists Peter Daniel Bernal, Camille Ann Brewer, Judy Bowman, Taurus Burns, Cydney Camp, DeAnn Wiley, and Carl Wilson.
PRAISE for Are You Sleeping?
PRAISE
"Rhonda Greene breathes new life into these age-old nursery rhymes.. On display is the best storytelling beautifully illustrated with familiar characters from the 21st century: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, and others. Are You Sleeping is a rare gift – and stunning achievement – for those interested in the social justice movement no matter what age."
--Maryemma Graham, Author, The House Where My Soul Lives: The Life of
Margaret Walker, Distinguished Professor Emerita, University of Kansas
"Are You Sleeping? is a book of truth and beauty. Stunning paintings and drawings accompany Rhonda Greene’s devastating nursery rhymes that pivot on racism and inequity in Black and Brown American experiences. These are our new essential ‘classic’ rhymes, born of pain and the tenacity of love and survival.”
-- Jan Freeman, Poet, founder of Paris Press, and author of Blue Structure,
Simon Says, and other collections
