Module 1: Book Review 3: African American Poetry

 Planet Middle School 

Bibliography

Grimes, Nikki. (2011) Planet Middle School. New York: Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781599902845

Summary

In this coming of age, verse novel, told from the perspective of preteen, basketball loving tomboy Joylin “Joy” Johnson, readers share life experiences between Joy, her family, and friends.  Trying to navigate life through the mind and body of an adolescent does not come easy.  From many firsts, first bras, first zits, first periods, and first crushes, to name a few, this is a beautifully written, relatable story for all middle school girls. 

Analysis

With a title like Planet Middle School, it is sure to catch the attention of any middle schooler curious to read about similar life experiences.  Grimes does a sensational job using sensory imagery and using emotional impact throughout this short story.  From the beginning, the reader is introduced to the poem Heart Sick, where the narrator arrives at the hospital.  Immediately, readers are hooked and interested to know more.  The story continues, introducing Joylin, her friends, Keelee and Jake, and her family with little brother, Kayden, and life lessons about herself and the others.  

There is an appeal to the book that is identifiable to preteen/adolescent young girls and Grimes wrote her poems in a way that is easy to understand and simple.  It is as if Joylin is making conversation with the reader, or someone is reading her diary or journal.  There are familiar experiences and interesting topics such as first crushes and unwanted hospital visits. 

This story is written well that presents internal and external conflicts that many young girls face every day.  It is a fun and easy read that could be finished in a short amount of time. 

Excerpt

The Call

One night the phone rings

Momma answers the call then gives me the news,

and the world falls away.

Some man was in his car texting,

he never saw Jake until it was too late.

Use

This specific excerpt from the book would be a great read aloud piece for teens.  From there, a discussion could form about times or events that have made them worried, concerned, or afraid.  Discuss that those are normal, everyday feelings and that it is ok to have.  Allow the kids to express their stories in any form they please, such as art, music, written, or something of their interest.

Module 1: Book Review 2: Hopkins Collection

 City I Love 

Bibliography

Hopkins, L. B., & Hall, M. (2009) City I Love. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780810983274

Summary

In this global adventure throughout cities from all over the world, readers are taken through eighteen different poems that capture the artistry, culture, and architect of each city.  With a guide dog and bird companion, used similarly to the Where’s Waldo books, readers follow along and take in the sights of each city and what it has to offer.  The poems also provide readers with a sense of what life is like living in the city from the sights, sounds, and smells included in them.  The illustrations pair perfectly with each poem and define the specific aspect of that city the reader encounters.  From tourist destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Big Ben in London, readers of all ages will be captivated by what the book has to offer. 

Analysis

City I Love, brings the city to you.  With lyrical and free verse poems used in the book, Hopkins delivers a lot of variety to each one.  Some elements included in his poems are sound, alliteration, and imagery.  Onomatopoeia can be found in many of the poems in the book, including “flitters, twirls, tumbles, and twitters,” from the poem Kite, and “flicker, flash, glitter, gleam,” from the poem City Lights.  Alliteration is used well in the poem, From the Ground, to invoke the work of building a new skyscraper; balance on beams/dangle on derricks/glide on girders/ sway on concrete slabs. 

The illustrations along with the text are used to create imagery and the images on the pages help the reader imagine how things look and sound.  The placement of the text used in the poems are arranged for an appealing, visual design to keep the reader engaged and works well in the book.  The poems and illustrations are certainly used to enhance the appeal of the book and does so in a marvelous way. 

All eighteen poems written by Hopkins are short, simple, and easy to understand.  The globe-trotting journeys the dog, bird, and reader take, celebrate the diverse cultures we have in our world and children of all ages will enjoy this book.

Excerpt

Get’ Em Here
“Hot dogs with sauerkraut
Cold drinks here!” 
“Hot dogs with sauerkraut
Get’ em here!”
 
Shouts the man
as he rolls
city’s smallest store
all tucked neatly
under
a huge, blue-orange striped
umbrella.

Use

The book would be a great addition to a social studies lesson on teaching about maps and globes as well as teaching about countries and cities.  Using the front and back endpapers within the book would be an excellent starting point that lists the cities the reader will embark on.  This book could also be used to teach about significant landmarks that were featured in the book or other landmarks within the country or city the reader visited.  

Module 1: Book Review 1-School Poetry

                   Almost Late to School And More School Poems

Bibliography

Shields, C. D., & Meisel, P. (2003) Almost Late to School and More School Poems. New York: Dutton Children's Books. ISBN 0525457437

Summary

The book, Almost Late to School and More school Poems, features twenty-two entertaining poems that tell experiences of students and teachers in a way that shows how they really feel and what is really on their minds about school. From first day jitters to emergency use of the bathroom, these poems offer laugh out loud giggles and amusement for all readers.  With illustrations by Paul Meisel that offer exhilarating and vibrant fun for the poems, readers can appreciate the work put into the book by both Meisel and Shields.  This is a book that is worth the read for first day of school ice breakers or even last day of the year closers.  

Analysis

The joy and excitement that comes from this book stems from the selection and style of each poem that is written.  They are nicely laid out from start to finish and consist of plenty of fun rhymes and fresh imaginative ideas and feelings that kids can easily relate to.  There is a plethora of figurative language used throughout the book that are used well in each poem.  The mood of each poem is silly and playful, to not only keep students engaged with the book but adults as well. 

Shields did a fantastic job in this collection of poems that are focused on children and the happenings of a school day.  The illustrations are delightful, that are eye-catching to children as well.  They are colorful and engaging, that bring an abundance of laughs to all. 

The book is very enjoyable and can easily attract elementary-aged children.  Not only do the poems incorporate their day-to-day school life, but in a way, can inspire them too.  

Excerpt

Band Director
Our band director used to be real mean.
Our band director used to shout and scream.
Our band director used to be all grumpy.
Our band director said we made him jumpy.
But now,
Our band director is as calm as a clam.
Our band director is as gentle as a lamb.
Our band director gives us smiles and hugs.
Our band director is wearing earplugs.

 

Use

Depending on the grade level, this book and the specific excerpt could be used in a couple of ways.  For younger children, it can be used to teach rhyming words, completed in pairs or during shared reading.  For older children, figurative language is used well, so a lesson on simile’s or hyperboles would pair perfectly with the poem.