This phenomenal collection of poems is unlike anything I have read before. As a published author with an online presence, Kate Baer is familiar with sThis phenomenal collection of poems is unlike anything I have read before. As a published author with an online presence, Kate Baer is familiar with strangers on the internet and their hateful comments or messages. One day Baer decided to transform the ugly messages into something beautiful. Through what she calls “erasure poetry”, Baer took a screenshot of the original message and then erased words to create a poem. She posted the original message alongside the created poem on her Instagram giving new context and meaning to the words. I Hope This Finds You Well is a collection of these erasure poems that are heartbreaking, funny, and empowering. Some of my favorites include “Re: When Chad Is a Dad”, “Re: Your Random Profile”, and “Re: The Male Ego”. I think Kate Baer says it best at the end of the introduction to the book “My hope is that by sharing these pieces we continue to hold on to the truths that sustain us, and when we do encounter the inevitable noise-we tune our ears to hear the song.” -Jenny L....more
Amanda Gorman's poetry in Call Us What We Carry exceeded my expectations. The book weaves together poems that reflect on our collective, and yet also Amanda Gorman's poetry in Call Us What We Carry exceeded my expectations. The book weaves together poems that reflect on our collective, and yet also unique, experiences as we navigate the year(s) of COVID - from March 2020 and forward - and also revisits history. Through her poetry, Gorman illustrates that we are not in truly “unprecedented times” as she ties the current state of (American) society to historical events such as the Essex disaster at sea in 1820, the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, the "Spanish" influenza in 1918, ongoing community issues such as AIDS, immigration, grief, and natural events like the behavior of animals in captivity and post memory.
I wasn't expecting to LEARN and FEEL so much through Gorman's poems. This book is recommended for adult and teen readers even if poetry is not your usual genre. -Diana F. ...more
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a short heartwarming book for readers of all ages. It is especially poignant for adults who may be reflectThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a short heartwarming book for readers of all ages. It is especially poignant for adults who may be reflecting on their lives and what is most important. The illustrations and text work together to create a book that is a true work of art. Many of the pages would be wonderful as framed prints. This may be a book you borrow first from the library, then buy a copy for your friends, family, and yourself! Definitely a book you'll want to re-read and share with others. -Diana F....more
In this beautiful children’s novel in verse, a teacher asks her students a question: Your home is on fire and your family and pets are safe. You are aIn this beautiful children’s novel in verse, a teacher asks her students a question: Your home is on fire and your family and pets are safe. You are allowed to save one thing. Which item would you save? What follows are sweet and heartwarming answers ranging from a baseball card, cellphone, sweater, or an entire bookcase. Each item holds sentimental value to the child and their explanations are at times beautiful and sad. With wonderful illustrations throughout, this little novel should not be missed. ~Jenny L....more
This is a powerful picture book that links black history with black culture and present. The illustrations accompany prose that illuminate meanings buThis is a powerful picture book that links black history with black culture and present. The illustrations accompany prose that illuminate meanings but also give impact to the content rather than diminishing the message. It's a great read aloud and not *just* for Black History Month (or April: Poetry Month). Older grades and readers should note and make use of the index that has snippets and information about the historical figures and events. Teachers should note that there is a free audio download of this book being read by the author. Readers may also enjoy I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, and A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks by Alice Faye Duncan. - Alexis S....more
A beautiful body of work, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us is a collection of essays about music, race, and life in modern America. Hanif AbdurraA beautiful body of work, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us is a collection of essays about music, race, and life in modern America. Hanif Abdurraqib has an incredible voice and weaves personal stories with pop culture and the difficult to discuss realities of America. Even if you are not interested in the pop culture aspect, the essays are about much more than what is on the surface. My personal favorite essay is Fall Out Boy Forever. -Jenny L....more
Acevedo has done it again. Clap When You Land is just as good as her previous books, and the historical aspect of this book was a pleasant surprise. TAcevedo has done it again. Clap When You Land is just as good as her previous books, and the historical aspect of this book was a pleasant surprise. The characters are strong, real, and they grow and develop into stronger and more relatable characters. The book is diverse in a natural way, and the story is one that grabs you from the beginning. It's got an intriguing plot, heart breaking situations, and so many emotions felt. -Megan G....more
Stumbling upon this gem of a book was rather like finding real treasure in the library! In the introduction, author Macfarlane explains that the twentStumbling upon this gem of a book was rather like finding real treasure in the library! In the introduction, author Macfarlane explains that the twenty words that form the basis of his poetry are all words from the world of nature that British children are rarely encountering today. The accompanying illustrations, created by Jackie Morris, are breathtakingly beautiful and have the feel of a naturalist's sketchbook. Adults and children alike are sure to love this outstanding book! – Louisa A....more
There are so many things I want to say about this book! There are many shiny little gems in here for theatre geeks and book nerds. I can say that as tThere are so many things I want to say about this book! There are many shiny little gems in here for theatre geeks and book nerds. I can say that as the happy center of that Venn diagram; it made this book a very fun and fast read for me. I must also make an impassioned plea that if you are a teacher you pick this one up. Open Mic Night at Westminster Cemetery is a “holy grail” book for teachers. It’s a dramatic screen play centered around poetry that is approachable and engaging for teens with contemporary issues and historical context... yes, it has both!!! It breaks the fourth wall so that the narrator can address the reader to explain the literary AND theatrical devices being employed along with quips and snarky asides. Ohhhh, the drama!!! It should be everyone’s April read. If you are participating in NaNoWriMo Screen Frenzy, if you do a unit on Poe, if you do a unit on poetry, if you have to make your students read any moldy old play: please, please, make it up to them with this book. – Alexis S....more
This riddle-tastic romp is a fun way to entice little ones to figure out which plot, from what book is being described. Once they find the story in quThis riddle-tastic romp is a fun way to entice little ones to figure out which plot, from what book is being described. Once they find the story in question, they'll want to read or reread it again and again. - Jen K....more
This is the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore, but beautifully illustrated. The artistic rendering has a cozy classical quality that accompanies thThis is the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore, but beautifully illustrated. The artistic rendering has a cozy classical quality that accompanies the poem well. Great for reading to the family on Christmas Eve night. Information on the poem and the author is in the back of the book as well. --Alexis S. ...more
This book is amazing! I am not usually a fan of novels in verse but the voice of Xiomara Batista drew me right in and I couldn't stop reading. I needeThis book is amazing! I am not usually a fan of novels in verse but the voice of Xiomara Batista drew me right in and I couldn't stop reading. I needed to know more about her life: her mami, her papi, her Twin brother Xavier, her best friend Caridad, but most importantly her poetry and her voice. Xiomara is a sophomore in high school, and she has so much to say. But who would listen? So, she writes it all down in her journal. There's so much of me that I find in her story. There's so much of a lot of us. “She tells me words give people permission to be their fullest self and aren't these the poems I most needed to hear?” “We're different, this poet and I. In looks, in body, in background. But I don't feel so different when I listen to her. I feel heard.” Reading this book makes me feel as though my own story is being told. Shedding light on parts of my own experience growing up. Like Xiomara says, "we're different, this poet and I" but that difference is not as important as the similarities. Seeing myself, my family, and my friends in this book is what makes me feel heard as well as seen. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a treasure and I can't wait to recommend this book to everyone I know. – Andrea G.
This novel for teens is showing up on "Best of 2018" lists, and I heartily agree with those who added the excellent book to their lists. It's a fascinating, sometimes troubling, tale of a teen, Xiomara, growing up in a Brooklyn neighborhood, raised by a very religious and strict mother and a passive father. The extra pressure of a voluptuous body and the unwelcome attention her curves elicit in young and not-so-young men leaves Xiomara little outlet for her frustrations other than her poetry and her willingness to fight those who wrong her. The author relates the young woman's story in poetry, a brilliant touch that makes this book outstanding. Don't miss reading this one! -Louisa A....more
Poetry turned upside down. This unique book of poems, all centering upon some traditional folktales, provides two poems for each folktale. Both poems Poetry turned upside down. This unique book of poems, all centering upon some traditional folktales, provides two poems for each folktale. Both poems are on the same page with colorful illustrations on the facing page to coordinate with the poems. The words are the same in both poems; they are just turned upside down. The only thing that is changed is the punctuation. The result: a poem with a completely different meaning and/or point a view. The skill involved to pull this off is a testament to Singer’s unique play of words. The complexity of choosing the right words make this a book of poems that is not quickly written. Classic folktales included are "The Emperor’s New Clothes," "The Princess and the Pea," "The Pied Piper," "Puss in Boots," "The Three Little Pigs," and "The Little Mermaid," and many others. In the rear of the book, Singer includes an explanation of what a reverso poem is, and how it came to be. In order to understand the poems, children should be familiar with the folktales. The author helps here with a brief explanation of each one, located in the back of the book. It may take reading the poems several times to fully understand the viewpoint to which Singer is referring, but it is worth it to put in the extra time. Children will catch on quickly to these unique poems and revel in both the simplicity of the poems, and the complexity it took to create them. As there are two sides to every story, so too, there are two sides to every poem, at least in reverso poems anyway.—Pamela B....more
Sherman Alexie gutted himself and made it into a book. It’s courageous, painful, and shockingly intimate. His voice is, as in most of his written workSherman Alexie gutted himself and made it into a book. It’s courageous, painful, and shockingly intimate. His voice is, as in most of his written works, truly incredible. This book may challenge your perspectives and change your opinions. If you have struggled with parental relationships, lost someone to cancer, or are interested in a deeply introspective portrait on an artist then you should definitely give it a read. – Alexis S....more
This book is ridiculously fun! Sonnets meet pop songs in this hilarious recreation of popular music from the last 50 years – from Billy Joel to TaylorThis book is ridiculously fun! Sonnets meet pop songs in this hilarious recreation of popular music from the last 50 years – from Billy Joel to Taylor Swift. I think my favorite part was trying to guess the song before I got to the title at the end of the sonnet. This is a super fast and hilarious read. I highly recommend! – Michelle V....more
You Come Too is a collection of Robert Frost's favorite poems that portray a perfect balance between lyrical and scenic poetry. Some of the classics iYou Come Too is a collection of Robert Frost's favorite poems that portray a perfect balance between lyrical and scenic poetry. Some of the classics in this collection include "Mending Wall," "Fire and Ice," "The Road Not Taken," and, of course, "You Come Too." A great read for all ages. -Megan M....more
Twin 12-year-olds Josh "Filthy McNasty" Bell and Jordan "JB" Bell are basketball stars at their middle school, following in the footsteps of their oncTwin 12-year-olds Josh "Filthy McNasty" Bell and Jordan "JB" Bell are basketball stars at their middle school, following in the footsteps of their once pro-basketball star dad ("Da Man"). Filthy is your typical middle schooler: basketball and family are his world. But things are flipped upside down when his brother gets a girlfriend, he is suspended from the team, and his father's health issues escalate. This 2015 Newberry Winner is told through a mix of free verse and rap-like poems. They are easy to understand, yet possess opportunities for close reading the underlying complex ideas. The vocabulary-themed poems scattered throughout go beyond explaining the words' definitions; they give insight into Filthy's emotional state of mind. A quick, enjoyable read with a heart-stopping end. - Megan M....more
Funny, moving, tender, harsh, David Rakoff's posthumous novel is written entirely in poetic-verse and weaves together the various lives of characters Funny, moving, tender, harsh, David Rakoff's posthumous novel is written entirely in poetic-verse and weaves together the various lives of characters from differing time-periods dealing with life, love, or death. Think Dr. Seuss for adults! Highly recommended! ~Louis M....more
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