How i discovered poetry - Marilyn Nelson

Nelson, Marilyn. How i discovered poetry. New York: Dial Books, 2014.

This Coretta Scott King honor book was a lovely surprise.  First of all, how amazing to this AP literature teacher, that all of the offerings here were sonnets. What an exercise in poetic discipline and lyrical language - so well done that I didn’t even realize what was happening for a long time.  I really can’t wait to show this to my AP kids.  This book makes poetry relevant in a very real way - an amazing teachable moment. Thanks Marilyn Nelson.

Further, this slim, yet powerful novel is an historical one.  Students will learn about bomb drills, 1950s TV, and life as a military child.  Students will process the civil rights movement through a young Nelson’s experience.  Sometimes she is the first and only African American in her class; sometimes she has to bravely and quietly fight discrimination and bullying.  She has to process major historical events like the desegregation in Little Rock.  She draws parallels in her travels to what has happened to the native Americans in our nation. I have this great history teacher who requires his students to read a historical novel each quarter.  I look forward to recommending this one to them.

And even more, Nelson crafts a beautiful coming of age story. I loved reading how her teacher loaned her poetry books: Hughes, Cullen, Johnson, and Gwendolyn Brooks. She reads long past lights out. Sounds familiar. She describes reading  poetry out loud as “soul kissing.” She wonders ( and fears) that there may be “a poet behind her face.” So glad she grew that poet into the author of this collection that I get to share with my kids.

I will be able to book talk this in so many ways.  My students love novels in verse.  I can add this to my collection of them in book talks.  I often do civil rights specific book talks.  Certainly this is a creative and thoughtful addition. And, when I can, I spotlight books about writers and readers for my avid readers and my aspiring writers.  


Greenglass House - Kate Milford

 

Milford, Kate. Greenglass House. Boston: Clarion Books, 2014.

So once again I judged a book by its cover. I love the cover of this title.  I’m not sure what I expected exactly, but the book itself was unexpected. Milo finds himself disappointed when his Christmas vacation doesn’t seem to be turning out as planned. He is hoping for a quiet celebration with his parents, but their Christmas is interrupted again and again by unexpected guests at his family’s hotel.  He is both frustrated and fascinated by the unique folks that are messing up his plans. He finds himself joining forces with Meddy, the cook’s daughter to solve all of the mysteries that are surfacing in the wake of all the unusual people.

The combination of a role playing game, some mysterious symbols, and some investigation lead to some startling discoveries about the past and the present of Greenglass house.  In the process, Milo contends with his own personal mysteries and discoveries. Adopted, he loves Mr. and Mrs. Pine his adoptive parents, but he also wonders about his birth parents and his cultural heritage.

I had to work a little for this one as it was not entirely what I expected. This title will be best suited for my strong junior high readers. Reluctant readers will not have the patience to wait for the story to develop. Older kids won't necessarily relate to the protagonist because of his age. I can sell it to my kids who (spoiler alert) are intrigued by the paranormal. My formal book talks are over for the year, but I will have lots of chances to talk to the kids one on one. I have a couple in mind!

 

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The Disappearance of Emily H. - Barrie Summy

Summy, Barrie. The Disappearance of Emily H. New York: Delacorte Books for Young Readers, 2015.

Raine's story is sometimes difficult to read. Raised for most of her life by her grandmother who truly cares for her, she is now with her mom, the same mom who left her behind. She finds herself starting over again at yet another middle school as her mom runs from another failed relationship. She finds a follower in terms of previously home schooled Shirlee who is also a new kid.  She finds a team, her excellence at running making her a fit in cross country. She finds a crush who already has a boyfriend. Quickly, through no real fault of their own, Shirlee and Raine find themselves the victims of cruel middle school bullying. Jennifer and her friends are relentless. In an effort to relieve the stress Raine finds herself exploring the disappearance of Emily, who lived in her house before she and her mom moved in. At the same time, she finds herself using fake texts from a mysterious high schooler to try and trick Jennifer and find a way to shift the balance of power.  All of these activities turn into a very powerful adventure, that leads to intrigue and ultimately danger. Through it all she is aided by her mysterious ability to read the past through the “sparkles” that only she and her grandmother before her can see.

I am generally always stunned when I read accounts of bullying.  Certainly, to be reminded of the cruelty is a positive thing for both me and my students.  The hope is that, of course, through the reading of such books, we all become more accountable in demanding and creating a more positive love filled world.  I was glad that, in the end, while Raine and Shirlee resort to less than savory methods to defend themselves, they ultimately take the higher road when dealing with Jennifer. Raine makes some risky decisions, and I appreciate that she deals with the consequences and has a honest conversation with her mom about it.  I am glad that mom is solidly a part of the book. My students will be drawn to the well developed characters who struggle with the same sorts of problems that they do. They will appreciate the developing relationships and the honest look at the difficulties that can arise.  Students are always drawn to adventure and a little bit of magic.

The magic of the sparkles is the one thing that doesn’t quite ring true for me. I guess while I understand how Raine’s reading of them moved the plot forward, I just didn’t get a clear picture of why she could do such a thing.  The end seemed like maybe there might be another book about her and maybe we’ll learn some more. The good news is that my kids are certainly going to be more fascinated than bothered by them! I look forward to adding The Disappearance of Emily H. to my collection.