POETRY BOOK REVIEW

HIDDEN by Helen Frost

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Frost, H. 2011. HIDDEN. Harrisonburg, Virginia: RR Donnelley & Sons Company.

ISBN: 978-0-374-38221-6

2.      PLOT SUMMARY:

Darra and Wren finally meet face to face at summer camp and are both overwhelmed by the flood of memories that rush back from a tragedy six year earlier when Darra’s father stole a car unaware Wren was hiding in the backseat.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

      Due to the fact that two styles of poetry, free verse and an inventive form, were used in this text, the rhythm changes from one character to the next. Both however flow smoothly, avoiding confusion for the reader. The varying styles are an appropriate fit for the different characters, and work naturally with the rhythm. No rhyming was used by Frost. The use of rhyming in this style would have seemed forced and unnatural.

       The language and words chosen though were appropriate for the chosen audience, and the character personalities. The emotional impact of this poetic creation is however the most profound component of this work. The reader can really connect with the characters, feeling their pain and heart break along the way. There is a special connection for anyone who has been or is currently a teenager.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

·         Booklist states “Like Frost’s Printz Honor Book, Keesha’s House (2003), this novel in verse stands out through its deliberate use of form to illuminate emotions and cleverly hide secrets in the text.”

·         VOYA says "Many teen readers will identify with Wren and Darra and how events that happened to us when we were younger help shape the person we become."

·         Shirley Mullin of Kids Ink Children's Bookstore raves "Beginning with a horrific story of an accidental kidnapping, this poetic novel is impossible to put down....A masterpiece!" 

5.      CONNECTIONS

·         Gather other books written and illustrated by Helen Frost for an author study and/or comparison of the poetic styles.

o   Frost, H. CROSSING STONES. ISBN-10: 0374316538 ISBN-13: 978-0374316532

o   Frost, H. DIAMOND WILLOW. ISBN-10: 0312603835 ISBN-13: 978-0312603830

o   Frost, H. THE BRAID. ISBN-10: 0374309620 ISBN-13: 978-0374309626

·         Lead a class discussion about fear. Have students share what they do when they are afraid.  How do you deal with your fears differently than you did when you were a small child?

·         In part two, the words at the end of the lines are the memories Darra has of her father. Have students write these words on a separate sheet of paper and discuss their findings.

·         Have students create a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the two main characters. Students may also write about the change of relationship the two girls have from start to finish. How does Darra’s feelings towards Wren change during their discussion at camp? How does Darra’s understanding of Wren’s relationship with her father change?

·         Have children answer the questions “How could Darra love her father when he treated her and her mother so badly?” Do the students have any personal connections to this delicate topic?

·         Allow children try their hand at free verse poetry.

THE LLAMA WHO HAD NO PAJAMA poems by Mary Ann Hoberman & illustrated by Betty Fraser

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Hoberman, M. and Fraser, B. 1998. THE LLAMA WHO HAD NO PAJAMA. New York, New York: Browndeer Press Harcourt Brace & Company.

ISBN: 0-15-200111-5

4.      PLOT SUMMARY:

A collection of 100 poems on a variety of topics written by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Betty Fraser. An eclectic array of topics that are sure to appeal to a range of readers with an range of poetic taste.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

            The compilation of 100 poems by Hoberman allows a wide range of readers to find connections with in her words.  Her use of rhythm and rhyme are nice on the ears. This is a very appealing part for the youngest of readers.

            The arrangement of lines with in the poems is unique, some even appearing with in speech bubbles. The language is simplistic, but still enjoyable to audiences of any age level.

The adorably created and places illustration add a pop of color to each page while simultaneously helping to unearth meaning in the text. The language, with the aid of the illustrations, creates the imagery of the poem.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

·         School Library Journal says "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."

·         The Horn Book declares "This collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer."

6.      CONNECTIONS:

·         Gather other books written and illustrated by Mary Ann Hoberman for an author study and/or comparison of the poetic styles.

o   Hoberman, M. YOU READ TO ME, I’LL READ TO YOU: VERY SHORT FAIRY TEALES TO READ TOGETHER. ISBN-10: 0316146110  ISBN-13: 978-0316146111

o   Hoberman, M. A HOUSE IS A HOUSE FOR ME. ISBN-10: 0142407739  ISBN-13: 978-0142407738

o   Hoberman, M. AND TO THINK THAT WE THOUGHT THAT WE’D NEVER BE FRIENDS. ISBN-10: 0440417767 ISBN-13: 978-0440417767

·         Have children pick a favorite poem from the collection and write their own poetry using the same topic.

SOUP FOR BREAKFAST poems by Calef Brown

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Brown, C. 2008. SOUP FOR BREAKFAST. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

ISBN: 978-0-618-91641-2

5.      PLOT SUMMARY:

This creative collection of pictures and poems, written and illustrated by Calef Brown, are sure to entertain children's interest and imaginations. The poems are silly and easy for any audience to connect with.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

            Each poem created by the talented Calef Brown utilized whimsical rhyme and rhythm which draws the reader into the silly world created with in the pages of SOUP FOR BREAKFAST.

            The word choice is quite silly and surprising at times. The language used varies from each poem, but the images surrounding the poems help the reader to better comprehend any advanced words.

            Every poem thought is guaranteed to have you rolling on the floor laughing wondering where in the world he came up with these stanzas!   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

·         Booklist reveals "Words and pictures manage to be both clear and weird, and enjoyable mix.”

·         School Library Journal advises “Read aloud, these poems are sure to delight listeners. They also provide a great impetus for inspiring youngsters to write nonsense poetry of their own.”

·         Publishers Weekly raves “A hearty salute to eccentricity.”

·         Poetry Foundation says “Calef Brown gives young readers another glimpse into his wacky brain in this latest, joyful journal stamped with his unmistakable style.

5.      CONNECTIONS:

·         Gather other poetic compilations written and illustrated by Calef Brown for an author study and/or comparison of his wacky poems.

o   Brown, C. POLKABATS AND OCTOPUS SLACKS: 14 STORIES. ISBN-10: 0618111298 ISBN-13: 978-0618111299

o   Brown, C. DUTCH SNEAKERS AND FLEAKEEPERS: 14 MORE STORIES. ISBN-10: 0547237510 ISBN-13: 978-0547237510

o   Brown, C. HALLOWILLOWEEN. ISBN-10: 0547215401 ISBN-13: 978-0547215402

·         Have student try their hand at creating similarly whimsical artwork based on the work of Calef Brown. Have them create a poem that correlates to the artwork.

·         Allow children the chance to create nonsense poetry of their own as suggested by the School Library Journal.