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.