to show everyone that poetry can be fun and enjoyable. Poetry
does not have to be impossible to understand and it doesn't
have to be analysed to death. We think of poetry as word pictures
that speak to your heart. Sure there are some forms of poetry
that require the poet to fit those word pictures into a strict
pattens. Maybe we need to learn to recognize those patterns like
the teachers tell us, but poets did not write their poetry to torture
kids. They wrote their poetry to touch the hearts of their readers!
We promise, you'll find some poetry that will speak to your heart
in these books, and you may find, like we did, that you actually
like poetry.
We have featured one title for each subject on this page. For
more books to choose from click on the subject title.
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by Robert Burleigh
Langston Hughes is one of America's greatest
poets. This picture book by Robert Burleigh tells
the story of how Mr. Hughes wrote one of his
most famous poems "The Negro Speaks of
Rivers" and began to see himself as a poet. The
beautiful bold illustrations add to this wonderful
picture book for older readers.
studies literature unit. Through the story , African-American history,
the Harlem Renaissance, and the magnificent poetry of Langston
Hughes come together in a short book perfect for students in upper
elementary and middle school grades.
by Sharon Creech
Love that Dog is short novel written entirely in
free verse by the amazing Sharon Creech. Jack's
teacher teaches poetry throughout the year.. Like
most kids, Jack isn't too sure about learning
anything about poetry. After all, poetry isn't for
guys. Jack's teacher even wants him to write the
stuff !!! He sure doesn't want to do that. He writes
in his journal, "I don't want to because boys don't
write poetry. Girls do."
to speak to Jack and fire his imagination. He discovers that poetry
does not have to be impossible to understand. Jack learns poetry is
words that come from the heart and speaks directly to it. He learns that
normal guys like him can write poetry and like it.
Don't let the fact that this book is written entirely in free verse scare
you off. This is a great novel and has a great story included in it that
has nothing to do with poetry, but shows that poetry truly does come
from the heart. At the end of the book, Ms. Creech has included all the
poems Jack's class studied through the school year. Give this book a
try. You are sure to at least like poetry by the end of the story.
Recommended by Rachel.
edited by Helen Ferris
This huge collection of poetry is sure to include
many familiar poems as well as many new poems
that are sure to become favorites. If you can buy
only one poetry collection for your home library or
classroom, this is the book you need. Everyone is
sure to find at least one poem they love in this huge
book!
by Robert Frost; illustrated by Susan Jeffers
This poem is one of Robert Frost's most famous
poems. This picture book version of the poem is
one of the Book Nuts' favorite poetry picture books.
Grab a mug of hot chocolate and curl up with a
good winter poem! Recommended by Rachel and
Sarah.
brought to life in the illustrations of Susan Jeffers in this beautiful
picture book.. The book is a wonderful way to introduce young
readers to the magnificent poetry of one of the greatest American
poets. That being said, first share the poem without sharing the
illustrations. Allow the listeners to visualize the scene themselves and
then ask them to draw or describe the scene they see in their mind.
Being able to visualize is a key reading comprehension strategy and
this book provides a wonderful opportunity for children to practice the
skill. Read the poem again sharing Jeffer's illustrations. You may find
different interpretations of the poem, but that's OK. Go back to the
poem and find support for the illustrations in the words. Some details
won't be found in the poem, but are products of the illustrator's
imagination. That's perfectly fine and part of building understanding
and enjoyment of poetry and literature.
by Micheal Driscoll
Teachers, this is the book you need to build your
poetry unit. In an easy to understand, kid friendly
format, Professor Driscoll makes learning about
different poetry forms and poets fun!
included CD. Hearing a poem really brings it to life. Close your eyes
and let the words speak to your heart.
The Professor does the impossible in this book! He makes learning
about poetry fun!