Published against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and just a year after Langston Hughes's death, Meltzer’s biography provides a compelling introduction to the renowned African American writer. Targeted towards young adults, it captures the essence of Hughes's life, who, despite often having to find alternative means to earn a living, remained committed to his passion for writing. This steadfast dedication not only showcases his love for writing but also stands as a testament to intellectual heroism, serving as an inspirational model for students.

Prior to Meltzer’s publication, Hughes's life had already been explored in two adult biographies published in Paris. These works—Elisabeth P. Myers’ Langston Hughes: Poet of His People and Charlemae H. Rollins’ Black Troubadour: Langston Hughes—emphasized the profound African-American influence in Hughes’s work and his career achievements. Following Meltzer in 1970, these biographies further solidified Hughes's status as a pivotal figure in African American literature.

Meltzer’s book draws extensively from Hughes’s own autobiographies, yet it distinguishes itself by incorporating Meltzer's personal admiration and defense of Hughes's controversial positions within artistic communities of color. These include the role of folk art, the use of dialect or street language, the political implications of art, and the distinct artistic values of African-American culture in contrast to mainstream society. Meltzer presents these subjects in an accessible manner, making the complex figure of Hughes engaging and relatable to young readers. By doing so, he not only highlights Hughes's significance as a pioneering artist but also piques the interest of readers, encouraging them to delve deeper into Hughes's works themselves.