Exploring Poetry

A condensed format,

Concise, eloquent words,

A powerful message

And poetry is born.

         I have always been awe of people who are able to convey so much with so little, who are able to paint an image or evoke emotion by intricately combining a few words. However, I have to confess that I was one of those kids who didn’t have a great fondness for poetry. While selecting a book, I have always gravitated towards prose than verse. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have an aversion for poetry; I have read my fair share of poems and have gained profound insights, but it’s just not my first choice in reading materials. So for this blog post, I have chosen poetry books that are simple and easy to read, which I think is a good way to ease children into this genre.

FORGET-ME-NOTS

Poems to Learn by Heart

Selected by: Mary Ann Hoberman

Illustrated by: Michael Emberley

120 poems, long and short, happy and sad, strange and mysterious, are all put together in this delightful anthology selected by Children’s Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman. It’s a banquet of different kinds of poems that is sure to satisfy the palate of every poetry lover. Classical poets from Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson to newer ones like Shel Silverstein and Nikki Grimes find a place in this anthology, and even Shakespeare is not left behind.Each of the poems is chosen for the simple reason that they are “memorable,” in other words are “easy to remember” and are “worth remembering.” These poems, some old, some new when learned by heart will stay with the reader forever like a well-cherished memory. Poems like The Arrow and the Song by H.W.Longfellow, Who Has Seen the Wind? by Christina Rossetti  took me down the memory lane as they were part of my growing up years. The fact that I remembered these poems proves the point that once these poems make a house in our memories, they remain there perpetually. However, I do have doubts about the memorability factor of some of the longer poems. There are poems in this collection that I found a connection to. The poem My Name by Lee Bennett Hopkins talks about a girl who tries writing her name on the sidewalk and on her hands, but all her efforts meet with the same fate; it gets washed away. Then the perfect place to write her name dawns on her. She realizes that a birthday card for her mother with her (girl’s) name on it would be perfect. Her mother does not throw away anything of the girl, so she knows that her name will remain there forever. As a mother myself, I know the compelling desire to preserve everything and anything that is remotely associated with my son. I have scribbled cards and indistinguishable ‘art-work’ to prove it.

     Any description of this book would be incomplete without mentioning the charming illustrations by Michael Emberley. Illustrations done with pencils, watercolor, and pastels are seen in every page of the book, and they match the mood and subject of the poem. Silly and whimsical poems have

funny illustrations whereas thought-provoking and somber poems have serious illustrations. The poems and illustrations in this anthology transport us to a fantastical world that is both real and whimsical at the same time and makes the readers experience a wide range of emotions from laughter to sorrow. Many of the short and silly poems have a rhythm that young readers can easily pick up, making this an excellent book for young readers.

                                                   I Have Heard of a Land

                                                      By: Joyce Carol Thomas

                                                Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper

Drawing inspiration from her own family, Joyce Carol Thomas has written in verse a powerful anthem to the strong and resilient American Pioneers who through courage turned their dreams into reality. In the late 1800’s Blacks, Whites, men, and women moved to Oklahoma Territory to lay

stake on free land. This poem offers a new perspective on an era that is otherwise well-documented for slavery and segregation. This lyrical narrative describes the happiness and hardships that a brave African-American woman experiences as she lays her claim on the free land. It is a land where she knows that her dreams can come to fruition if she works hard and survives the harsh conditions. A land where “possibilities reach as far as her eyes can see, and as far as our imaginations can carry us.” Through simple descriptive language, Joyce Thomas paints not only the beauty of the new frontier but also describes the grit of the people who created a niche for themselves in an unknown and uncharted land. Floyd Cooper’s oil-wash portraits complement and enhance the quality of the book. Cooper uses unique oil wash on board technique or "subtractive process" of painting, where he first paints the illustration board with oil paint and pastels, and then he erases using a stretchy eraser to bring out the color to design a picture. Light pink, yellow and brown

are the prominent colors used in this book. He makes use of double-page spreads through the entire book to show the beauty of the land and the life of the Pioneers in the frontier.

Apart from the simple poetic narrative and the beautiful illustrations what stands out is the female protagonist, who dreams of owning land and is brave enough to follow through. When many African-Americans were still living under the shadows of slavery and women didn’t have any rights, we are presented in this poem a woman who has the courage and the fortitude to carve out her own future, and on her own terms. I think that this poem is a wonderful way to introduce a historical period to children and pique their curiosity about the way of life and the events of that time.

Historical Fiction

                                            Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

                                               Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Set in Mississippi in the 1930’s, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, is an unforgettable story of the Logan family and their struggle for a just and humane existence. Their desire to be independent, their unwavering love for each other, their courage, integrity, and pride in the face of racism is inspirational. This story is presented through the eyes of nine-year-old Cassie. She lives with her three brothers, mother, father and grandma on two hundred acres of their own land. The ownership of the land shields Cassie and her brothers from some of the very harsh realities that many African American families faced during that time. Of course, Cassie and brothers have brushes with racism in the form of lack of buses to their school, being forced to use books previously owned by white students, and going to segregated under-funded schools. However, for Cassie, it takes the events of one turbulent year to comprehend the true extent of hatred that existed outside of the safe and loving cocoon that her family had created for her and her brothers. She is made aware of the insignificance of a black man’s life in the eyes of a white man through the burnings conducted by the “night riders,” the sense of superiority that a white girl feels as she humiliates Cassie because of the color of her skin. Cassie and her family find small ways to retaliate against injustice; whether it be Cassie standing up to her tormentor or the Logan family refusing to buy grocery from a person who is known have killed or tortured African-Americans. The family belief is eloquently stated by Cassie’s father when he says, “You have to demand respect in this world, ain’t nobody just gonna hand it to you. How you carry yourself, what you stand for – that’s how you gain respect. But, little one, ain’t nobody’s respect worth more than your own” (Pg. 176).Throughout the book we see the Logan family living up to those words both in action and in essence.  

Inspired by the experiences of her own family, the author has written a story that is compelling, thought-provoking and brutally honest in the portrayal of the time period it is set in. Although fictionalized, this book does provide, what seems to be an authentic record of the African-American experience. Each character in the story etches out a place for themselves in our heart, whether it be the loving grandma, the hardworking and wise father, the caring mother, protective and honorable elder brother, supportive younger brothers or the spirited spitfire Cassie. The author wants us to get to know the Logan family, establish a kinship with them and walk in their shoes. Through their joys, their sorrows, their disappointments, their fear and their humiliation we get a glimpse of one of the darkest periods of American history where the worth of a human was decided by the color of their skin. The author does not believe in glossing over the events in the story and reading about some of the atrocities makes you cringe, but I guess that’s the intent of the author. She wants us to remember and not forget the unspeakable crimes committed on fellow humans as this nation was trying to find and establish its identity. She, in my opinion, also wants young readers to read about the abhorrent path of racism that this nation has traveled and learn from it and pledge never to go down that path again. Along with themes of larger historical context like racism, segregation, microcosmic themes like the personal fight for self-respect and dignity are also addressed by the author.         

                                                Just in time, ABRAHAM LINCOLN

                                                 Author/Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Michael and Derek are not happy campers because their grandmother has prohibited them from using any electronic devices on their journey to Washington DC. Like many in this generation, they don’t know what to do without their iPads, phones, and games. The boys get prepared for what is sure to be a tedious journey. Their first stop is Harpers Ferry Civil War Museum, where they meet Mr. Portufoy, a collector of Civil war uniforms, rifles, and photographs of Civil War photographer Mathew Brady. The Civil War museum bores them at the beginning until Mr. Portufoy encourages them to try on the Union uniforms. They enthusiastically try it on and also agree to play a “real game.” The museum curator shows them a door and says that when they step through that door, they'll find themselves in Antietam just after the battle. As a part of the rules, they're not allowed to tell anyone about their present life, and they are required to come back before sunset. The boys go through the door and walk into the year 1862. At first, they think that they are witnessing a re-enactment of the Civil War, but gradually things start falling into place, and they realize that they really have traveled back in time to the Civil War era. They meet the famous photographer, Mathew Brady, who takes them from one battlefield to another. Traveling with him, they get a first-hand glimpse of the horror and the carnage associated with war. It is here that they get to meet a weary President Lincoln, who is saddened and burdened by the loss of human lives. He bares his heart in front of the boys and says “I can only wonder as I stand here today if it is worth this dreadful sacrifice…..My heart breaks that I ordered these lads to their death.” Seeing the sadness on the President’s face, the boys comfort him by reassuring him that his decision has resulted in the creation of a powerful nation and has also paved the way for a black man to be the President. That thought puts a smile on Mr. Lincoln’s tired face. As the sun sets, the boys take leave of Mr. Lincoln and rush back to the door of the museum. Once they are united with their grandmother, they wonder if their whole trip was a reality or a game, until they see a picture clicked by Mathew Brady in which they can clearly see themselves lurking behind President Lincoln.

In this story of time travel and adventure, Patricia Polacco combines illustrations and text to introduce

to young readers a major historical event that changed the trajectory of this country.She makes use of vivid colors to bring to life not only a critical moment in the Civil war but also a war-weary President. Illustrations done in pencils and markers are historically accurate and help create a compelling story. Lines are used in the illustrations to create a sense of motion, energy, and establish the mood.The wordless double-page spread depicting corpse-filled battlefield scene is powerful, moving and a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. 

I think it is a great way to introduce an important event in history to children. They will identify with the young boys and will be fascinated by the time travel aspect of the story.But above all, I think they will enjoy reading about the past, which they might not have if it was presented to them in their textbooks. This book will also hopefully encourage curious minds to sift through the pages of history and learn about this past event that helped shape their present.

Realistic and Contemporary Realistic Fiction

                                             

          

                                                         THE ROAD TO PARIS

                                                             Author: Nikki Grimes

“What’s the matter with Malcolm and me? Did we do something wrong? Is that why no one wants us?” (Pg. 16)

These poignant questions asked by Paris gives voice to similar questions that many children must have asked who have been abandonment or put in the foster care system by the adults in their lives. Paris and her brother Malcolm are placed in foster care because their alcoholic mother refuses to take

care of them. Life is miserable at the Boone house, their foster care home, especially for Paris. She is locked in the closet, punished and beaten for things that she did not do. It becomes so unbearable that Malcolm and Paris decide to run away and go their grandmother’s place. The grandmother wants no part in raising her grandchildren and calls Child Services. This time, however, the siblings are separated and placed in different homes. Paris is placed with the Lincoln family. Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln have two boys of their own, and they are foster parents to a teenage girl. Paris enters their home with a great deal of anxiety, preparing herself for the worst. But within a few weeks, she starts to realize that the Lincoln’s are not like her mom or the Boones. She begins to blossom in the Lincoln household. She forges new bonds both at home and at school, and for the first time, she feels she has reached a place which she can call home, where she can set her roots. As it happens in books and in life, when everything is going fine something does happen that changes the equation, and as readers, we are waiting for the other shoe to drop. That is precisely what happens. Her mother is married, and she wants Paris and Malcolm to live with her. The decision is tough for Paris; on the one hand is the love and security that the Lincoln family provides and on the other hand is her love for her brother and her constant wish to be with him. She finally decides to give her mom a second chance.

This book by Nikki Grimes captures both the ugly and the humane side of the foster care system. As a parent, my heart cringed as I read about the atrocities that Paris had to go through at Boones’ house. I shared Paris’ anger at her grandmother for separating her from her brother. I wanted to comfort her as she begins her journey to her new foster home without the support of her brother. This book does manage to capture the fear, the uncertainty that children experience who have been abandoned by their parents. This book also showcases how children put in these difficult circumstances stop being kids and are required to act and make decisions like adults. Characters portrayed in this book are relatable, and the themes of family, relationships, and acceptance are explored through them. I was personally impressed with Malcolm. The way he protects his sister and always putting his sisters’ well-being above his surely won my heart. I would have loved to know more about his experiences and the journey that he had taken. However, Paris as the protagonist is captivating and inspiring. I was impressed by the way she analyzed her thoughts to come to her decision of going back to her mother. Her growing determination and self-confidence at the end of the book lead me to believe that she is ready to face anything that life throws at her.

                                              

                                               

                                                               Thunder Boy Jr.

                                                            Author: Sherman Alexie

                                                            Illustrator: Yuyi Morales

In this book we are introduced to a young Native American boy named Thunder Boy Smith Jr.; and yes! That is his name. A name that his father gave him and a name that he absolutely hates. He would have loved to have a name like Sam, which is normal and boring just like the names of his mother and sister. But unfortunately for him, he is named after his father,  who is called Thunder Boy Smith Sr. People's nickname for his father is “Big Thunder” (which sounds majestic), and they nicknamed the boy “small thunder,” which according to him makes him sound “like a burp or a fart.” What he really wants is a name that he can identify with, that celebrates his achievement. He comes up with names like ‘Mud in Ears,’ ‘Touch the Clouds,’ ‘Full of Wonder’, based on his likes and capabilities. He vents out his frustrations privately but never in the presence of his dad. He does not want to hurt his feelings. When he has all but given up on the hope of getting a new name, his father surprises him by suggesting that the time has come for him to have a name of his own. The boy is named “Lightning,” a name that the boy approves of. The book ends with the boy thinking that with ‘Thunder’ and ‘Lightening’ as their names, the father-son duo will create fantastic weather and their love for each other will be as bright and loud as their names.

 The name of a person is his identity, which makes him identifiable and recognizable in a sea of people. So it is understandable that the boy balks at the idea of sharing the same name with his father. Sherman Alexie, the author of this book, was also named after his father and he resented it just like the boy in the book. The conflict between the boy's love for his dad and his desire to have an identity of his own is beautifully captured in the book. I think this internal struggle will resonate with many young readers who may not be required adopt their parent's name like the boy, but may be expected to do things in life that are in complete contrast to their wishes. This book in simple words encourages everyone to find their own unique identity. The simple language and the subtle humor in the book will undoubtedly attract young readers to this book.

The illustrations of Yuyi Morales are captivating. Through her illustrations she not only brings to life the character of the boy but also the members of his family. Morales is known for her bold-colored illustrations. This book does have a pop of bright colors in some of the pages and the

lightening bolt at the end of the book is very dramatic. The illustrations are however a bit of  a departure from her usual style. The illustrations, in her own words, are made from the remains of an old run-down house. A digital palette was created using pieces of wood and clay that were collected from this house. She then used the colors and texture of the materials that she had collected to digitally paint and bring to life the world of Thunder Boy. Sherman Alexie’s text and Yuyi Morales’s beautiful illustrations are combined together to create a charming picturebook that celebrates the special relationship between the father and the son.