Module 3: Poetry
Title: The Llama Who Had No Pajama
Bibliography:
Hoberman, M. A. (2006). The Llama who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems. Ill. by Betty Fraser. Harcourt Brace & Company.
ISBN: 9780152055714
Plot Summary:
The Lama Who Had No Pajama is a fun collection of 100 poems for children which contain common activities and animals that they are familiar with. The poems are short and include repetition and rhyme, which simplify the reading of poetry for children.
Critical Analysis:
This book contains poems that are playful and entertaining. Some of the animals in these poems may not be familiar to some children, but they are beautifully introduced. In her poems, the author uses alliteration and rhyme and creates imagery by using very unique language. The poems range in length from three lines to a page or more. An index of the poems that is organized by their first line, is provided in the back of the book.
About halfway through the book, one of the longer poems introduces the llama
without pajamas. It is pretty much a story on its own. It follows the adventures
of a young llama who has outgrown his pajamas, and feels he can't sleep without them. The silliness of a llama wearing pajamas gives the poem a touch of humor. The rhythm of the lines give it a song-like feel and may make the reader want to chant it.
Overall, the collection of poems in this book is great as it offers a variety of
topics that may interest a large and diverse audience. Some are a bit easier to follow than others, but they all offer a gentle tone that engages many. The detailed illustrations provide that extra touch and add to the reading of the poem. This book is ideal for keeping in the classroom for instructional purposes or just for enjoyment.
Review Excerpt(s):
"Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities . . . Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."--School Library Journal
"This collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer."--The Horn Book
Connections:
Have students draw a picture of their favorite animal from the book and then have them write a poem of this animal. They may then record themselves reading the poem and sharing their drawing using Flipgrid.
Use the poems to demonstrate and illustrate literary devices.
Title: Poems in the Attic
Bibliography:
Grimes, N. (2015). Poems in the Attic. Lee & Low Books Incorporated.
ISBN: 978-1620140277
Plot Summary:
A young girl discovers a box of poems in her grandmother's attic, poems written by her mother when she was growing up. Her mother's family often moved around the country and the world because her father served in the military. To let her mother know about her feelings toward her and the poems, the young girl creates a book with her own poems and some of her mother's. When she returns the poems back to the box, she adds some of hers as well for someone to find and read someday.
Critical Analysis:
The free verse and tanka poems of Nikki Grimes, tell a story about how a young girl in the present watches her mother's life unfold during her transition from a child to a young woman. The book was inspired by Grimes's own childhood experiences. Throughout the poems, the two girls project a charm and essence that the illustrations capture beautifully. It's also great how the alternating voices allow the poems to show both reflections and memories at the same time. There was a page that really caught my interest. This page states:
"Memories can be like sandcastles
the waves wash away.
My mama glued her memories with words
so they would last forever."
I just love the way these words are used to express how her mother’s words will last to be shared for a very long time. Overall, the book shares a beautiful, engaging story in a very unique way that just captivates the reader's attention from beginning to end.
Review Excerpt(s):
"A gem of a book." -- School Library Journal
"Each page turn is like opening that old box in the attic--you never know what is coming next... Young poets (and their parents and grandparents) will be inspired to write poems for future generations." -- The Horn Book
Connections:
Have students write their own free verse poem on a place they have visited. The students may then share the poem with the class.
Title: Under the Mesquite
Bibliography:
McCall, G. G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. Lee & Low Books.
ISBN: 978-1600604294
Plot Summary:
In Under the Mesquite, Lupita, a highschool student, takes charge of her 8 younger siblings while her father stays with her mother in an out- of-town clinic. Her mother was diagnosed with a serious illness. As Lupita struggles to cope with the tragic events, she writes about her feelings underneath a mesquite tree.
Critical Analysis:
Under the Mesquite is a beautifully written story about love and family. It is presented in verse. The story incorporates words in Spanish, with a glossary in the back. This book's delicately chosen words warm the reader's heart and make them eager to read more. Throughout the book, we follow Lupita's family through the course of several years, gaining just enough insight into their lives to care about what happens to them. A girl on the verge of becoming a woman is portrayed through imagery and similes, as well as the poem’s structure. It is so well written that it captivates the reader from beginning to end. When reading this book, I caught myself not wanting to put the book down. Being Hispanic myself and having experienced similar situations triggered a special connection with this story.
Review Excerpt(s):
"A promising, deeply felt debut." --Kirkus Reviews starred review
"This book will appeal to many teens for different reasons, whether they have dealt with the loss of a loved one, aspire to write and act, are growing up Mexican American, or seeking their own identity amid a large family. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort." --School Library Journal
Connections:
Have students write a short poem about family.
Use the book to introduce literary devices such as similes and imagery.
Title: Iveliz Explains It All
Bibliography:
Arango, A. B. (2022). Iveliz Explains It All. Random House Children's Books.
ISBN: 978-0593563977
Plot Summary:
Iveliz Explains It All is a beautiful story about a preteen girl facing mental health challenges. She begins 7th grade hoping it will be a better year than the last, but it is not. Iveliz struggles with her grades, bullies, friendships, depression, and her grandmother’s dementia getting worse. Aside from all that, her mom doesn’t seem to understand her. As a means of coping with all this and in order to express her emotions, Iveliz turns to her journal.
Critical Analysis:
Written in verse, Iveliz Explains It All offers numerous lessons on dealing with mental health. This incredible story can teach young people about healing through journaling, about talking to those who care about them, about being a good friend, about the power of therapy, and so much more! I truly feel that now more than ever, young people can associate with this story as sadly many suffer with similar issues. This powerful story can also help many as they try to find a way to deal with their feelings. The beautifully chosen words, some in Spanish, help tell the story in a way that the reader can feel the sincerity of Iveliz’s emotions. In the end, this impressive Newberry Honor Award Winner teaches everyone that there is always hope and people who love you will always be by your side. Library collections should include Iveliz's story.
Review Excerpt(s):
"A great reminder that no one is truly alone." —Booklist
"Relatable and powerful. . . . Iveliz’s first-person account amplifies the need for
finding one’s voice and asking for help at any age." —The Horn Book
Connections:
Have students write a poem on their feelings. This is an excellent book to not only teach about free verse poetry, or first person point of view, but it also is a great way to start important conversations with young readers.
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