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.