BookSpeak!

Salas, Laura Purdie. 2011. BookSpeak! Poems About Books.  Ill. by Josee Bisaillon. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Pub Co.  ISBN 9780574223001

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

BookSpeak! is an anthology picture books showcasing different elements of books, genres, characters, and more found through an adventure in reading.  The intended audience for this anthology pre-school to third grade.

Quality and Appeal

Poetry pictures books about sharing the joy of reading are certainly in my wheelhouse.  My personal favorite (before reading this book) was I Am the Book by Lee Bennett Hopkins.  After reading BookSpeak! Poems About Books, Hopkins surely has a competitor! 

BookSpeak! Poems About Books serves as an excellent introduction to teaching poetic and literary meaning as the poems contain a plethora of literary concepts, form, and styles.  There are 21 poems within this picture book and each poem is cleverly titled and even more cleverly written.   Some of the vocabulary may be a bit advanced for the younger readers.  Picking through the poetry found in BookSpeak! Poems About Books to tailor to the audience is recommended. 

Now, it must be mentioned that the mixed media illustrations by Bisaillon are incredible.  While any other illustrator would likely be able to craft artwork to further (or sustain) the overall theme of BookSpeak! Poems About Books, Bisaillon manages to strengthen the theme and propel the poetry forward.  He accomplishes this by combining his collage work with some indication of literature, such as ink blot birds, animals crafted from torn book pages (with an evidently aged typeset), patterned bookshelves, handwriting, and more. 

Spotlight Poem

Skywriting

Line after line of inky black birds

forming the flocks that shift into words.

Page after page of tales winging by,

singing a story against a

white sky.

This poem and any of the poetry in BookSpeak! Poems About Books can be used to introduce a learning block on the elements of a story.

Books like BookSpeak! Poems About Books

I Am the Book by Lee Bennett Hopkins

Little Red Writing by Joan Holub

A Foot in the Mouth

Janeczko, Paul B (Selector). 2009. Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout.  Ill. by Chris Raschaka.  Somerville: Candlewick Press.  ISBN 9780763606633

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout is an anthology of poetry selected by Janeczko to showcase the different styles found within poetry.  The intended audience for this book is 3^rd-7^th grade. 

Quality and Appeal

The poetry found within Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout is divided into poetic style and include poems for one voice, tongue twisters, poems for two voices, list poems, short poems, bilingual poems, and limericks.  The poetry selected by Janeczko is written by some authors we know well: Shakespeare, Whitman, Florian, Heard but also include some authors that aren’t so well known.  Even though some of the selector’s authors are not children’s writers, Janeczko managed to select poetry that was silly and would appeal to a younger audience.  The illustrations (watercolor, ink, and paper collage) were interesting and provide visual interest to the poetry which is often lengthy and written in a smaller, bold and black font. 

Personally, books with too many different styles are very distracting for me as a reader and aren’t something I enjoy all that much.  However, if you’re looking for a book that has a little bit of everything, then this is probably a good starting point.  Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout has the ability to appeal to many different types of readers at once but also serves as a sufficient introductory tool when sharing poetry.   Since there are so many different types of poetry, it is likely that each child will be able to find one they like.  Adding this as a classroom reader is recommended but I don’t see it appealing to a self-selector, reluctant reader, or parent. 

Spotlight Poem

Innuendo by David McCord

You are French? Je suis.

You speak French? Mais oui.

I don’t speak French. Non?

I speak English. Bon!

The use of bilingual poetry could be an interesting and fascinating introduction to geography and multicultural subjects in the elementary classroom. 

Books like Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing, and Shout

A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms by Paul B. Janeczko

A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems by Paul B. Janeczko

Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers

Franco, Betsy (Editor).  2008. Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers.  Somerville: Candlewick Press.  ISBN 9780763634377

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers poetry anthology edited and compiled by Betsy Franco.  The poetry found within Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers is written by teenagers regarding teenage romance.  The intended audience for this anthology is 9^th grade and up. 

Quality and Appeal

The poetry found page by page in Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers is written by teenagers aged 12-18 and mostly in free verse.  Franco mentions that these poems were compiled mainly through email and she initially did not know anything demographically about these children.  The end result is a diverse group of teenagers from all sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds.  While the main theme is obviously love, the emotions are varying throughout this book.  Some of the poetry is intense and breathtakingly deep and some of it is humorous and slightly cheesy which creates a well-rounded end result.  While reading this I was transported back to my teenage years, feeling love for the first time, and I found it rather refreshing.  I was also thoroughly impressed with the talent and ability of these young readers!  Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers is a perfect candidate for creative writers and reluctant readers simultaneously. 

It’s worth mentioning that yes, this book includes poetry with sexual undertones and about the physical manifestations of love.  While its usually guarded and implied, there are some poems where it is clearly spelled out and utterly obvious.  I still recommend this book – falling in love (or falling out) is a scary thing for youth.  By sharing this book of poetry written by the children for the children can somehow help others, why not share it? 

Spotlight Poem

Love Poem by Juan Nunez, age 15

I am

the flour

to your tortilla,

Baby.

This book can be used to introduce feeling, imagery, and metaphor into the beginning of a high school creative writing class.  

Books like Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers

A Maze Me by Naomi Shihab Nye

First Crossing: Stories About Teen Immigrants by Donald R. Gallo

Poetry Speaks Who I Am: Poems of Discovery, Inspiration, Independence, and Everything Else by Elise Paschen

I Am Phoenix: Poems For Two Voices

Fleischman, Paul. 1985. I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices. Ill. by Ken Nutt. New York: Harper & Row.  ISBN 0060218819

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices is an anthology of 15 bird-related poems aimed towards children in third through seventh grade.  Each poem showcases a different type of bird. 

Quality and Appeal

I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices is a companion anthology to its predecessor Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices.  Each poem contains a variety of poetic devices such as alliteration, rhythm, repetition and strong imagery.  The illustrations are found spaced out amongst the poetry and are in black and white.  While impressive, they’re rather flat and one dimensional.  They enhance the story but the most interesting component of I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices is that it’s written (as the title indicates) for two voices. 

Poems written for two voices are intended to be read aloud by two different individuals at once.  One reader takes the text on the right and one reader takes the text on the left.  Sometimes the words are spoken alternatively and sometimes they are spoken simultaneously.  This reading style can be somewhat distracting for both younger readers and those unfamiliar with the style.  In fact, this style of poetic performance may be most beneficial for those listening rather than reading aloud. 

Overall, I favored the poetry which was different between each voice (rather than repetitive).  When the text matched on both sides I felt it was forced and had the opportunity to be overly theatrical.  However, by incorporating this style, Fleischman allowed the rhythm of performance poetry to enhance the fluttery style of the birds he writes about and perhaps intentional.

Spotlight Poem

An excerpt from “Owls”

                                                                                                          Sun's down,   
                 Sky's dark                                                                       
                                                                                                           Loons sleeping                                                     

Larks sleeping

Black night                                                                                          Black night

                                                                                                           for them,

Bright noon                                                                                         Bright noon

Because this poetic style is intended for two readers, educators can introduce this style by encouraging students to write separate poems about a singular subject and then construct a combined final product.  This activity encourages collaboration amongst students and the ability to show parallelism. 

Books like I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman

Running with Trains: A Novel in Poetry and Two Voices by Michael Rosen

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

Sidman, Joyce. 2011. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. Ill. by Beth Krommes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  ISBN 9780547315836

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature is a poetry picture book which follows the prevalence of spirals in nature.  Spirals are located in animals, plants, waves, and even space.  Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature is intended for children in pre-school through third grade. 

Quality and Appeal

The poems found in Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature mix poetic language with elements of science.  Spirals are described as snuggling, growing, strong, clever, beautiful, and more.  The illustrations are whimsical, flowing, and colorful which will catch the eye of any child.    The illustrations solidify the concepts which Sidman is discussing.  For instance, Sidman writes “A spiral is a snuggling shape. / It fits neatly / in small places.  Krommes supplements this line with a chipmunk and snake coiled up in their holes in the ground.  Sidman goes on to point out other spirals in the world such as the horns on a ram which are used for protection. 

Following the story, Sidman includes scientific explanations for the words she chose.  For example, going back to the excerpt listed above, Sidman explains that a spiral is a snuggling shape as “chipmunks, woodchucks, bull snakes, and other animals curl up in spirals when sleeping or hibernating” which “helps them conserve body heat.”  By making connections between the simplicity of this shape and its purpose, Sidman is allowing readers to learn natural design in a strong and thrilling manner. 

If you follow my reviews on this blog, you'll know that the last Joyce Sidman book I read (Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry) was something I really disliked.  I was fearful when I picked up Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature that we may have a repeat under-performer but this poetry picture book was amazing.  Joyce Sidman is redeemed in my eyes!

Spotlight Poem

(Excerpt)

Coiled tight,

Warm and safe,

It waits…

…for a chance

to expand.

This poem could be used to introduce shapes (for younger readers).  Children can be assigned (or choose) a generalized shape and have fun identifying this shape in their environment.

Books like Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman

Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature’s Survivors by Joyce Sidman

Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow by Joyce Sidman

Growing Patterns by Richard P. Campbell

Won-Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku

Wardlaw, Lee. 2011. Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku. Ill. by Eugene Yelchin. New York: Henry Holt & Company.  ISBN 9780805089950

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku is the adoption story of a cat told through a series of haiku poems.  Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku is intended for children in pre-school through third grade. 

Quality and Appeal

Wardlaw manages to craft some very clever haiku poems which really capture the personality and essence of a cat.  Cat owners refer to this as “catitude” and sharing it with children will certainly incite some giggles!  While some children won’t grasp this ingenuity, it makes it a fun read for adults, also.  Yelchin’s Asian-inspired illustrations are arguably simplistic but allow for focus on Won Ton and what he is doing rather than serving as a distraction.

Sometimes the haiku is a bit of a stretch – Wardlaw breaks up lines midsentence to ensure the words still fit within the 5-7-5 syllable count characteristic of haiku which is somewhat cheating.  Nonetheless, the haiku will still serve as an appropriate introduction to the form of haiku.

Spotlight Poem

Your tummy, soft as

warm dough.  I knead and knead, then

bake it with a nap. 

Educators can introduce this type of poetry by inviting students to craft a simple haiku about their family pet.  It’s often an enjoyable topic for children in the target age-level.

Books like Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku

Dogku by Andrew Clements

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka

Saving Audie: A Pit Bull Gets a Second Chance by William Munpz

Wicked Girls

Hemphill, Stephanie.  2010. Wicked Girls.  New York: HarperCollins Publishers.  ISBN 978-0-06-185329-6

(Image obtained from amazon.com)

Summary

Wicked Girls is a novel about the Salem Witch Trials, told in verse poetry, told through the fictionalized accounts of Mercy Lewis, Margaret Walcott, and Ann Putman, Jr.    Wicked Girls is intended for children in grade 7 and above.

Quality and Appeal

At the very least, the language found within Wicked Girls is consistent with the 1600s and the characters in Wicked Girls are well-written and well-built, creating a situation where readers are transported into this era.  Because the poetry rotates between all three girls, readers get a genuine feel for a multifaceted storyline.

Concepts of bullying and peer pressure run rampant.  This verse novel tells the story of actual people who played major roles in the Salem Witch Trials but provides a fictionalized account as to (possibly) why these women acted in the manner that they did.  Hemphill manages to provide a unique spin on a topic that much of America knows about.  However, it is worth mentioning that by using free verse poetry, the historical back story is missing which leaves some holes in the overall concept.  Because of this, Wicked Girls could be a great supplemental tool when teaching this section of history. 

The target audience for Wicked Girls is grades 7+.  While I initially worried that this novel may only appeal to females, the historical significance may also pull in male readers. 

Spotlight Poem

An excerpt from Secondhand Girl

I grasp it and she motions me to lie down. 

I press my cheek to her lap,

and she strokes my hair.  "There, there.

Do as I say, and all will be well.

We must be strong now, very strong.

Promise to do as I ask, and I shall protect you."

I nod my head, "I promise."

This poem could be used to introduce appropriate social topics in school:  bullying, peer pressure, group mentality, etc.

Books like Wicked Girls

 Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom

Ann and Seamus by Kevin Major

The Trial by Jen Bryant