Blushing: Expressions of love in poems and letters

Bibliography: Janeczko, Paul B. 2004. BLUSHING: EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE IN POEMS AND LETTERS. New York, NY: Orchard Books. ISBN: 9780439530569

Review: Love is the subject of Paul Janeczko's collection titled Blushing. In Blushing, a myriad of thoughts and feelings are expressed on the subject of love in four sections by some of the world's most beloved poets including William Butler Yeats, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, and Emily Dickinson. New love, first love, and love at first sight are expressed in “The Beginning of Love”. In “ In Love” poets express their passion and devotion as their relationship matures. “Alone in Love” features poems regarding unrequited love and the loneliness that occurs when lovers are separated. The “End of Love” details the the saddest and most terrible feelings associated with the dissolving of the most special connection two people can share and “Remembering Love” recalls the feelings of love lost and calls to mind the desires and passion that two people share over a lifetime.

Excerpt: “The End of Love”
The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.
Why the hell not? It happens to us all.
Why should it pass without acknowledgment?

Suits should be dry-cleaned, invitations sent.
Whatever form it takes- a tiff, a brawl-
The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.

Better than the unquestioning descent
Into the trap of silence, than the crawl
From visible to hidden, door to wall.

Get the announcement made, the money spent.
The end of love should be a big event.
It should involve the hiring of a hall.

Introducing the Poem: Definitely intended for an older audience, high school and beyond, Paul Janeczko's collection features poems regarding the topic for which poetry was created. Blushing features the most heartfelt poems and acts like sweet nectar for the soul. These ethereal and timeless poems have the power to awake the fire in the coldest heart, elicit passion in a wanting vessel, assuage the pain of a crushing break-up, and soothe one's aching memory of lost love. This collection would be best introduced by having students try their hand at poetry by recalling their own thoughts and feeling about love whether that feeling be anger, joy, or pain.

Tap Dancing on The Roof: Sijo (Poems)

Bibliography:Park, Linda Sue. 2007. Ill. By Istvan Banyai. TAP DANCING ON THE ROOF. New York, NY: Clarion Books. ISBN: 978061823483.

Review: In Linda Sue Park's Tap Dancing on the Roof, Park presents 27 joyous and youthful poems in the sijo format. The sijo is much like the Japanese haiku, but it orginates from Korea. The sijo format consist of three lines with fourteen to sixteen syllables. The last line of each sijo is considered to be the the joke or as Park calls it the “twist” which contains humor, play on words, or irony. The lighthearted collection feature poems about a variety of topics such as breakfast, summertime, tennis, and art class. Tap Dancing on the Roof features an introduction by Park which gives a brief overview of what a sijo entails and the collection of poems also features an author's note and helpful tips for the reader to create and write a sijo himself/herself.

Excerpt: “Day's End”
All around, the volume turns down low.
The dark grows gently to fill
each room with peace, and me with sleep.
My mind slips out to play...


...in a world without walls.
Kaleidoscope...Calliope...Collage!


Introducing the Poem:
Due to the wide variety of subject matter Tap Dancing on the Roof, with its the youthful sijos, will resonate with children of all ages. The lively and childlike illustrations by Istvan Banjai bring the poems to life and will most certainly captivate the attention of all readers. Linda Sue Park's entertaining collection would be a great tool in introducing the sijo format. Most school children are familiar with haiku, but much less are aware of the Korean sijo. Due to the detailed and helpful instructions contained in the back of the book, children can be encouraged and inspired to experiment with and create their own special sijo.

Salting The Ocean: 100 Poems by Young Poets

Bibliography: Nye, Naomi Shihab. 2000. Ill. By Ashley Bryan. SALTING THE OCEAN. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN: 9780688161934


Review: In Nye's diverse collection titled Salting the Ocean, 100 poems are introduced by 100 different poets who were also students that Nye worked with over the years. Salting the Ocean has a wide range of poetic forms including but not limited to: free verse, couplets, ballads, and quatrains. The collection is organized by being separated into four sections with 20-30 poems in each. In “The Self and the Inner World” poems that contain introspective thoughts about the writer are presented. In the section, “Where We Live” poems reveal the thoughts and feelings the poets have toward the area they live in whether that be a street, a town, or the whole world. In “Anybody's Family” poets share their innermost desires and feelings towards their friends and loved one such as the poem titled, “My Dad”. In “The Wide Imagination”, this section may perhaps contain the more artistic and thought provoking poems that reveal how the poets see the world around them or how the poets view themselves and their own talent.

Excerpt: “My Dad”

My father sails he sails
in his sleep he sails when he's awake
I think he falls asleep by listening
to the waves hit the hull of his imaginary boat
and the sail clanging against the mast
I love my father I know he will
fall asleep and never awake
but I will be happy because he
will still be sailing in his lake.

William V. Lange


Introducing the Poem: Since the collection features poems written by students from grades one through twelve, the anthology is appropriate for any age and perfect for any level. Although some sections of the collection may be too difficult for the younger readers with so many poems to choose from readers of any age will definetly find something to relate to whether that be a poem about a family member or the beauty of nature. Due to all the different poetry formats available in Nye's collection this book would be a great introduction to the different types of poetry. Teachers and Librarians could spotlight a different format and share the poems that fall under that category.

Seeing Emily

Bibliography: Wong, Joyce lee. 2005. SEEING EMILY. New York, NY: ABRAMS Books. ISBN: 9780810957572. Review: Written in elegant free verse, Seeing Emily is a typical tale of a not so typical 16 year old girl. Emily is a high school student dealing with all the troubles that being a teenager entails, but must also handle the struggle that comes with being a Chinese-American. In Wong's debut novel, readers accompany the lovely Emily on her journey of first love, disappointments, revelations, and self-discovery. During her journey of self-discovery she deals with the responsibilities of school, working in her family's restaurant, and a new boyfriend. Emily also struggles with her identity as Chinese and American. She longs to please her parents who have traditional Chinese values and with the ways of the land she has always called her home. It is not until Emily visits Taiwan with a family friend that Emily comes to the realization that she does not have to be one or the other, she can be both Chinese and American, and completely herself. Excerpt: "Speaking the Language" "...Mama and Baba say I used to speak beautiful Chinese, my accent clear and the tones perfect. But then when I started kindergarten, I remember how the other kids laughed at the way I couldn't understand any English at all. Mama says it wasn't long before I spoke English exactly like my classmates. But she said I refused to speak Chinese anymore. Even at home with just Baba and Mama and no one else to hear, they spoke Chinese to me and I answered them in English. Introducing the Poem: Seeing Emily is definitely a novel aimed for high schoolers and readers who enjoy the verse novel format will love this novel. Seeing Emily will definitely appeal to first generation Americans, but will also appeal to those that feel like outsiders. Seeing Emily is a great novel to introduce to those new to poetry or those that dislike the more challenging formats due to it's relateable story and fun format.

Messing Around the Monkey Bars

Bibliography: Franco, Betsy. 2009. MESSING AROUND THE MONKEY BARS. Ill. by Jessie Hartland. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

Review: Franco’s Messing around the monkey bars includes 19 poems written about the zany and fun field experiences that can occur during school hours. From wild bus rides, classroom boredom, to the uncontainable anticipation for recess this book bring alive the typical school day. Franco also gives an introduction to the book which details how the poems are intended to be read. Each line that is bolded should be read by an entire class or a group and each line that is not bolded should be read by an individual. When read aloud in classroom environment Betsy Franco’s poems come alive and are sure to bring a fun and memorable experience to all participants.

Excerpt: "I Can’t Wait."

Today’s the day I can’t wait. At recess time, I won’t be late. I’ll meet you by the mulberry tree. And then you’ll make the trade with me. I’ll trade my little green iguana… For my little sister Donna!

Introducing the Poem: Messing around on the Monkey Bars was written with the intent to be experienced not just read so introducing the poem to a classroom environment is necessary. Franco’s book is a great introduction to poetry as its subject matter will relate to its readers and that each poem is intended for two or more voices. Although the poems can be read silently, the poems make more sense, and are more enjoyable, when read by a small group or an entire class. Teachers may take joy in splitting the students up into small groups in order to perform individual poems in front of the class.

This is Just to Say

Bibliography: Sidman, Joyce. 2007. THIS IS JUST TO SAY Ill.by Pamela Zargarenski. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 9780618616800

Review: Inspired by Williams Carlos Williams' simplistic but beautiful poem by the same name, This Is Just To Say is a collection of poems based on forgivness and apologies of Ms. Merz's sixth grade class. The collection of poems is separated into two sections. The first part consists of apologies and the second half of the book contains responses to some of the previous section's poems. The poems have a range of style, type and mood. The collection contains free verse poems, haiku, rhymes, pantoums, and more. Many are laugh out loud funny such as “I got carried Away” by Reuben who apologized to his friend, Kyle for an overzealous game of dodge ball while others are heart wrenching such as Raneesha's “A Waste of Heart” which expresses her hurt feeling over an unrequited love.

The illustrations contained in This is Just to Say are also a highlight of the book. The illustrator, Pamela Zagarenski, created the art with a sixth grader and an art teacher in mind. Each poem receives its own illustration and each is specific to the poem. Many of the illustrations are cartoonish and comical much like the poems themselves. The poems and illustrations of This is Just to Say come together to create an enjoyable reading experience.

Excerpt: Dodge Ball Crazy Sorry, /Reubs,/ for belting you/ as hard/ as I could/ in dodge ball/ I'd like/ to say/ I wouldn't/ do it again/ but I'd/ be lying by Kyle

Introducing the Poem: This Is Just to Say would be great to introuduce to an English class of any age though those in middle school and younger grades would be best. This collection would be great to use in introducing poetry for the first time due to it's wide range of topics and wide range of poetic styles. Students new to poetry will understand that poetry can be written in any style they wish and regarding any topic they desire to write about whether that be dodgeball, a pet hamester, or even a delicious plate of brownies. A classroom may even be inspired to create their own series of apology poems after reading This Is Just To Say.

The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

Bibliography:
Engle, Margarita.2006. THE POET SLAVE OF CUBA: A BIOGRAPHY OF JUAN FRANCISCO MANZANO. New York, NY: Random House. ISBN: 9780307583079

Review: Margarita Engle writes the moving biography of the famous poet Juan Francisco Manzano. The biography details Juan's early life, as a slave who yearns for freedom and education. At times, Juan finds joy and solace in other's words. At the same time, Juan also begins to develop a talent for reciting poems and for creating his own poetry. At other times throughout the novel the reader is made aware of the harsh realities of slavery like when Juan's master discovers him looking at her books she reacts by locking Juan in a cellar with a piece of charcoal in order to remind him of his hopeless situation. Through each of the novel's hopeless situations, Juan is able to do the impossible; by holding dear his love of poetry, Juan is able to endure the pain of of his past and present and hope for a better future. Told in free verse, this impressive biography is difficult to read, but at the same time extremely hard to put down. Readers will be intrigued by Juan's story and enthralled by his unceasing hope for a better life.

Excerpt: “Juan''

My mind is a brush made of feathers
painting pictures of words
I remember
all that I see
every syllable
each word a twin of itself
telling two stories
at the same time
one of sorrow
the other hope

I love the words
written with my feathery mind
in the air
and with my sharp fingernails
on leaves in the garden

When my owner catches
a whiff
of the fragrance
of words
engraved in the flesh
of succulent geranium leaves
or the perfumed petals of alelí flowers
then she frowns because she knows
that I dream
with my feathers
my wings

Poetry cools me, syllables calm me
I read the verses of others
the free men
and know
that I'm never alone

Poetry sets me aflame
I grow furious
dangerous, a blaze
of soul and heart, a fiery tongue
a lantern at midnight.

Introducing the Poem:
Due to it's realistic account of the realities of slavery this book is best presented to an older audience such as students in higher middle grades and high school students. Engle's biography would be great in a classroom environment for a lesson on slavery. Also, for an English class, students could use Engle's biography as a resource for a project or the instructor could create an entire lesson revolving around The Poet Slave of Cuba. The Poet Slave of Cuba is a realistic and though provoking story that gives readers a glimpse into Juan's amazing life. Those that read Juan's story will finish Engle's biography wanting to know more about the inspiring poet Juan Francisco Manzano.

The Tree That Time Built: A celebration of nature, science, and imagination

Bibliography:
Hoberman, Mary Ann and Linda Winston. 2009. THE TREE THAT TIME BUILT: A CELEBRATION OF NATURE SCIENCE, AND IMAGINATION. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. ISBN: 9781402225178

Review: The Tree that Time Built is an anthology that celebrates the beauty of wonder, imagination, and intelligent thought. Inspired by Charles Darwin's research the anthology is divided up into nine sections that refer back to Darwin's work. Each section pertains to a different aspect in nature such as “Oh, fields of Wonder” which includes thoughts, ideas and questions regarding our world, and “Think Like a Tree” which features poems about plants, trees, flowers, and their importance to us and the world. With the beginning of each new section a helpful introduction is given to explain the section's meaning and purpose. Also, the writers have included in text notes accompanying many of the poems in order to give readers a better understanding of the author's words. Many famous poet's are featured in this anthology such as Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, and T.S. Elliot.

Excerpt: “All Day Long”

Beneath the pine tree where I sat
to hear what I was looking at,

then by the sounding shore to find
some things the tide had left behind,

I thought about the hilltop blown
upon by all the winds I've known.

Why ask for any better song
in all the wide world all day long?

David McCord


Introducing the Poem:
Due to the scientific and exploratory nature, this anthology would be perfect for a classroom environment. Whether in Science or English class, this anthology invites children to peruse its contents and encourages children to explore their world. As poets write in awe of the butterfly and the bumblebee so to will children learn to see the beauty and majesty in all living things. Although the collection as whole, may be difficult for younger children many of the poems can be read individually. Also, the book is accompanied by CD that features many of the poems read aloud. Children will delight in hearing poems read aloud by their authors in the manner they were intended to be heard.

Lady Liberty: A Biography

Bibliography:
Rappaport, Doreen. 2008. Ill.by Matt Tavares. LADY LIBERTY: A BIOGRAPHY. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 9780763625306.

Review: In Lady Liberty, Rappaport presents the reader with a history of the Statue of Liberty's birth, construction, and finally her unveiling in 1886. Unlike most biographies, Rapport brings the details of Liberty's construction to life by having individuals, who were important to her birth reveal the story. Wanting to celebrate America's 100 year old anniversary, Frenchman Edouard De Laboulaye, desires to present America with a gift in order to commemorate their independence. Auguste Bartholdi, a famous French sculptor, begins raising money for the endeavor and begins work on the famous statue. Many other famous people are featured such as the poet Emma Lazarus and the famous publisher and writer Joseph Pulitzer as well as their part in Liberty's story. Written in free verse, Rappapport's flowing script takes the reader back to the 1800's, when America was first viewed by the world as a land full of freedom, opportunity, and equality. Matt Tavares's painted illustrations are at times so realistic one feels they could be a picture instead. Tavares's illustrations work beautifully with Rappapport's story and captures perfectly the hope, passion, and determination of the many people involved with Lady Liberty's fate.

Excerpt: “Auguste Bartholdi”

Every part of her shouts freedom.
In one hand she holds a tablet,
engraved with July 4, 1776.
In her other hands she holds a torch.
These flames do not destroy.
Mon Americaine does not conquer with weapons.
True liberty triumphs through Truth and Justice and Law.

She wears a flowing robe
like the ancient goddess Libertas.
Her right foot is raised.
Liberty walks.
Freedom never stands still.
A broken shackle and chain lie near her feet.
America broke the links of slavery
to fulfill its promise of equality for all.

President Cleveland steps forward.
The crowd quiets.
“We will not forget that Liberty
has made her home here,” he says.

Introducing the Poem:
Lady Liberty is not only an informative biography on the Statue of Liberty, but an interesting tale as well. Students of all ages will enjoy learning about her history and about the many people that made her presence here in America possible. Rappapport's book would be a great starter or even an addition to an American history lesson. Most children are familiar with the statue, but are unaware with what she represents. Lady Liberty is a great tool that will inform its readers what the Statue of Liberty and America means to the rest of the world.

Exposed

Bibliography:
Marcus, Kimberly. 2011. EXPOSED. New York, NY: Random House, Incorporated. ISBN: 9780375866937.






Review: Exposed is the story of Liz, a driven girl in love with photography, and Kate, an intelligent and gifted dancer. Kate and Liz have been friends for years and even feel as close as sisters, but one tragic night after Liz and Kate have an argument about Kate's future plans, Kate begins to avoid Liz. After repeated attempts to discover what's wrong, Kate reveals that Liz's brother raped her the night of their argument. Liz's brother denies the incident and Liz subsequently is torn in two. Written in free verse, Marcus pens a heartbreaking tale of how an act of violence can tear apart friendships, families, and communities. Marcus handles the tale with eloquence and with a balance of anger and love, humor and sadness. Despite the sensitive and tragic nature of the story, readers will certainly look forward to reading more by Kimberly Marcus.

Excerpt: “Empty”

I run,
not knowing where I'm going, but I run.
Around the building, down the street,
my sneakers smacking the pavement so hard,
shooting fire up my shins.

I run past twelve years of friendship,
matching clothes and birthday parties,
jumping on beds and catching crickets,
too-long phone calls and belly laughs,
passing notes and building dreams.



Introducing the Poem:
Due to its sensitive subject matter, Exposed is best presented at a high school level. This novel will appeal to young women, as they relate to Liz and Kate's friendship. Also, this novel would be extremely therapeutic for those who have been victims of rape or know someone that has been a victim of rape. The feelings expressed by Liz, such as disbelief of Kate, anger towards her brother, and guilt for having left Kate alone that tragic night, are all true and accurate feelings a person involved in this type of incident would feel. Also, much like Liz details her thoughts and feelings in the novel young women could find it helpful to detail their own experiences in a journal. Once written down in pen and ink, they could find comfort, resolution, and understanding in their words much like Liz found at the end of Exposed.

The Cuckoo's Haiku: And Other Birding Poems

Bibliography: Rosen, Michael J. 2009. Ill. By Stan Fellows. Somerville Massachusetts: Candlewick Press. ISBN: 97807636





Review:
The Cuckoo's Haiku is a collection 24 haiku all featuring a different American bird. The haikus and birds are organized into different seasons and each page also features a few informative details regarding the birds. Micheal Rosen's haikus and Fellows watercolor illustrations complement one another. Fellows illustrations of the birds and nature bring Rosen's words alive. Fellows depiction o the Black Billed Cuckoo sitting on branch filled with fiery red leaves calls to mind the warm comforting smells of autumnn much like the illustration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird hovering over a dazzlingfuchsiaa tulip make one yearn for the bright, sunny and refreshing spring. Although it may not hold the attention of young children, Rosen's haikus will entice those in the middle grades who are take in an interest in haiku's or those new to poetry altogether.


Excerpt:

“Eastern Bluebird”

on a staff of wires
blue notes inked from April skies
truly, springs first song.

“Chimney Swift”

twittering at dusk
chimney swifts sail above the
citronella glow

Introducing the poem:
Although readers of all age will take interest in Fellow's beautiful illustrations, Rosen's haiku are more suited for older children and those students in middle grades. The Cuckoo's Haiku is a great tool to use to introduce students to the haiku form. Also, students that are having a difficult time understanding poetry in general might form this book and other haiku's a great place to start. For the younger students, Rosen's book could be used in other subjects such as science to explain migratory patterns and how some birds are only in our area for certain seasons.

Love That Dog

Bibliography:
Creech, Sharon. 2001. LOVE THAT DOG. New York, NY: Turtleback Books. ISBN: 9780060292898.






Review:
In Love That Dog, Jack, a young school boy, keeps a journal of his thoughts, experiences, and his feelings on poetry and his dog. The journal is written in free verse and often reveals the thoughts on the poetry presented in his school classroom and features his own poems inspired by famous poets. In the beginning, Jack sees no sense in William Carlos Williams' “The Red Wheelbarrow”, but as time passes and his own poetic talent develops he begins to think that “Maybe the wheelbarrow poet was just making a picture with words”. As Jack is introduced to classic poems such as “Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost and “Love that Dog” by Walter Dean Myers he develops his own poetic voice and embraces his burgeoning talent. Readers will delight in seeing famous poems referenced and children and adults alike will laugh out loud at Jack's humorous thoughts regarding the classic poems. The novel also includes all the poems referenced throughout the story so those new to poetry will gain a better understanding of Jack's words.

Excerpt: “September 27”

I don't understand
the poem about
the red wheelbarrow
and the white chickens
and why so much
depends upon
them.

If that is a poem
about the red wheelbarrow
and the white chickens
then any words
can be a poem.
You've just got to
make
short
lines.

Introducing the Poem:
Sharon Creech's Love That Dog is a touching and humorous novel that readers of any age will embrace. The best environment to introduce Love That Dog would the same environment in which the novel is set. This novel is perfect to introduce to students who are new to poetry or are still having trouble grasping poetry's importance and, from it, the joy that can be found. In a classroom setting the novel could be read aloud and the poem's referenced introduced. Students could keep their own poetry journal as Jack did, and record their thoughts on poetry and Jack's novel as well their original poems.

A Jar of Tiny Stars

Bibliography:
Cullinan, Bernice E. 1996. A JAR OF TINY STARS. Honesdale, PA: Boyd's Mill Press. ISBN: 9781563970870.





Review:
Bernice E. Cullinan's A Jar of Tiny Stars is a collection of 50 poems written by 10 NCTE Award-Winning Poets. The poems were selected first by teachers and then students around the county were asked to choose their favorite five poems for each of the 10 poets. The collection itself contains poems on a wide range of topics such as the joy in changing seasons, such as David McCord's “Snowman” and John Ciardi's “Summer Song”, the excitement of new experiences like building one's first sand castle in Lilian Moore's “Mine”, and expressing the love and happiness felt from one's household pet in “My Cat and I” penned by Aileen Fisher. A Jar of Tiny Stars is a collection full of light, laughter, and happiness that children will embrace wholeheartedly.

Excerpt: “Shell”

When it was time
for Show and Tell,
Adam brought a big pink shell.

He told about
the ocean roar
and walking on the sandy shore.

And then he passed
the shell around.
We listened to the water sound.

And that's the first time
I could hear
the wild waves calling to my ear.

Introducing the poem:
A Jar of Tiny Stars was published 15 years ago, but its shine has not diminished. Although readers of any age will delight in these award-winning poems, they are best suited for kids 10 years and younger. Cullinan's collection could be introduced in a classroom setting depending on the poems or the author. Poems pertaining to seasons can be introduced as the seasons change. Also, a lesson on a particular poet could lead to an introduction to some of his/her poems. Many of the poems speak of first experiences, new friends, and favorite animals which could lead to class discussions and the sharing of ideas and memories.

Dizzy In Your Eyes

Bibliography
Mora, Pat. 2010. DIZZY IN YOUR EYES: POEMS ABOUT LOVE. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN: 9780375843754.





Review:
Pat Mora's Dizzy in your eyes is a collection of poems about love and the different types of love. Many poems are about first love and crushes while others talk about the love shared between family members, friends, and even the household pet as in “My Cross-eyed Cat.” Not only is young love celebrated, but real emotions such as anger, heartbreak, desire, and laughter are expressed. Written in an array of styles and forms, Mora's collection is an honest and true representation of love.

Excerpt:

“Dear _____,”

“... When I listen to music, I imagine
slow dancing with you, and you whisper
into my hair, “You are my one true love,”
and I smile and know
why people write music and paint
and dance, lifted as if they can fly,
because this ache
crashing inside
needs to be free.
Sometimes, love
becomes a melody
others hum for years.”

Introducing the Poem:

The best environment to introduce Pat Mora's Dizzy in Your Eyes would be at a young adult level. Whether in middle school or high school, students will relate to Mora's collection of love poems because it speaks of the day to day interactions and experience's that are evidence of how people love one another. Dizzy in Your Eyes is a great tool that will inspire teens to express their feelings in their own unique style.

Dinothesaurus

Bibliography
Florian, Douglas. 2009. DINOTHESAURUS. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN: 9781416979784



Review:

In Dinothesaurs, Florian blends imaginative art work, educational details, and humorous verses to create pleasurable reading experience. Each poem in the collection spotlights a different species of dinosaur and a pronunciation guide. The poems themselves combine humor and interesting facts. “ In “Tyrannosaurus Rex”, T-Rex is described as, “ Some forty feet long. Some fourteen feet tall. Its back limbs were strong. Its front limbs were small.” In “Spinosaurus” readers will delight in Florian's comical lines, “ What kept the Spinosaurus warm/ When it was colder than the norm?/ Spines much like a solar panel. (And long underwear of flannel.?”, as well as Florian’s art that shows the large reptile clad in flannel pajamas. With its lighthearted but educational tone, Florian's Dinothesaurs is sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Excerpt:

“Barosasurs”

I'm higher than five elephants.
I'm longer than most whales.
My giant neck is balanced by
My forty-three-foot tail.
A tail that is my weapon.
It swings from side to side.
From nose to tail I'm ninety feet-
Hey kid, ya wanna ride?


Introducing the poem:

Although Dinothesaurs would be more suitable for younger readers, parents and teachers will enjoy reading this as well. Dinothesaurs would be a great choice as a story-time choice. Also, for classrooms, Dinothesarus would be a great starting point in introducing a lesson on dinosaurs and the different geological time periods.

Keeping the Night Watch

Bibliography

Smith, Hope Anita. 2008. Illus.by E.B. Lewis. KEEPING THE NIGHT WATCH. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN: 9780805072020


Review:

In this emotionally charged story, C.J., a young boy, deals with the fact that his father, who once deserted the family, has now returned. His feelings of resentment, anger, and distrust are expressed expertly by Hope Anita Smith. In Keeping the Night Watch, C.J.'s family begins to accept their Dad's place in the family while C.J. avoid his father and struggles with feelings of betrayal and resentment. As time goes by, C.J. Begins to heal, he and his father resolve their issues and learn to embrace one another. Smith concludes the story by having the whole family dance away their anger and pain, “They dance to free themselves for their fears. They dance to exercise their sadness. They dance to celebrate the ties that bind.”


Excerpt: “Mountain Climbing:

It takes
all of Daddy's energy to
move his words across the chasm
that separate us.
When he speaks, he words echo
and have lost all meaning when
they finally reach my ear.
I hope, one day,
that my snowy mountain of anger will be
so weighed down with Daddy's apology,
I will be overwhelmed
by an avalanche of forgiveness.

Introducing the Poem:

Definitely targeted for older children in middle school or high school, this book deals with sensitive issues such as single parent household and serious emotions such as anger, fear, and resentment. This a great read that will open up young people's eyes to the many struggles that people face. For those that come from a two-parent household great understanding and empathy will be gained for those that come from single parent homes. For students that have actually dealt with these family issues, Hope Anita Smith's words offer support and show there's reason to hope and that there's joy in forgiving.

Sharing the Seasons: a book of poems

Bibliography

Hopkins, Lee Bennet. 2010. Ill. By David Diaz. SHARING THE SEASONS: A BOOK OF POEMS. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books. ISBN: 9781416902102.

Review:

In Sharing the Season, Lee Bennet Hopkins has selected an array of poems that celebrate each season of the year. There are 48 poems in all with each season receiving 12 poems. Hopkins's collections features many talented poets such as Marilyn Singer, Carl Sandburg, and even several by Hopkins himself. Many of the poems display various patterns as well as similes. Personification is also used as in Karla Kuskin's “Moon, Have you met my mother?” in which the snow says it can make everything more beautiful even “warehouses, train tracks, and old fence, cement. Readers of every age will love to read this collection and the long wintry days and warm cozy autumns of their memories.

Excerpt: “Winter” by Lee Bennet Hopkins

Snowballs
snow people
icicles
frost.

always-
always-
a mitten or two lost

scarves
boots
earmuffs
sleighs

and
books
to curl up with
on
long
wintry
days.

Introducing the poem:

Although the book and the poems are a little more advanced for young readers, even the youngest of readers will be drawn in by Diaz's illustrations. Bright yellows and pinks color springtime and summer, warm brown and orange depict autumn, and winter is wrapped in soft white and blue. This collection is easy to introduce to a class as it follows the seasons and major holidays. Many of the poems could be introduced at the beginning of the day to welcome the season and celebrate the holiday.

Stampede!: Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School

Biblography:
Salas, Laura Purdie. 2009 STAMPEDE!: POEMS TO CELEBRATE THE WILD SIDE OF SCHOOL. New York, NY. Clarion Books. ISBN: 9780618914883



Review:
In Stampede, Laura Purdie Salas invites us into the crazy and zany world of school. Traditional new student experiences are described such as getting lost in a new school and typical school experiences that induce such emotions as fear, loneliness, embarrassment, and frustration are dealt with in a comical light- hearted tone that will have everyone laughing and sharing similar stories. Salas reinforces the comparison of the school as a wild zoo by dotting her poems with metaphor and simile such as the the child that is afraid of his own stench drawn as a skunk and the poem titled “Blush” that compares a girl running away from her crush to “blazing cardinal, winging away.” With Stampede, Salas, helps students learn to laugh at their embarrassments and to realize that they are not alone in fear and frustrations.

Excerpts: “Nesting”

I'm one quiet fox.
My desk is my den,
with quizzes, smooth rocks, and
a note from a friend.

I tuck deep inside
the hollowed-out wood
to make me feel safe when I'm
not understood.


Introducing the poem:
With the entire book of poems entirely set in a school environment students will have no problem relating to the poems. Also, not only will the poems grab their attentions but the bright and comical illustrations will cause many fits of unruly laughter. One way to introduce the poems in a fun way would be to read them to the class as they are applicable such as the first day of class, lunch time, picture day, and recces. Children will learn that others share the same fears and joys as they do and may be interested in sharing their similar experiences.