A Full Moon is Rising

Bibliography
Singer, Marilyn. 2011. A Full Moon is Rising. Lee & Low Books Inc. New York, NY. ISBN: 879-1-60060-364-8.

About the Book
This new collection of poems by veteran poet Marilyn Singer takes children in grades 2-4 on an informative "lunar journey" that they are sure to love.  On the first page of the book, an explanation about the phases of the moon is included.  Readers gain background knowledge before they enjoy the short poems on each page. Students who are very interested in non-fiction subjects will be drawn into this unique group of great poems.  The collection takes the reader on a journey from Broadway, to the ocean, and even to the ancient goddess of the moon, Artemis. Readers will be enchanted by the idea that the moon that shines above all the world's peoples has created such wonder and so many traditions for generations.  The combination of descriptive poetry and eye-catching illustrations will invite children to wonder and imagine wile the multicultural themes and science facts will excite and satisfy its audience.  This title will work well as a read-aloud for younger children and independent readers will find lots to think about and appreciate.  And after taking the entire journey around the world and beyond, readers find themselves back on Broadway. 


One Poem
Broadway Moon
New York City, USA


It waits behind skyscrapers, 
a brilliant actor in the wings,
ready for its monthly debut.
On the sidewalk, an audience of one
watches and silently applauds
when it grandly appears. 


Activities
*Poetry Break - read the above poem and discuss the vocabulary that relates to stage acting.  How does the poet relate these same words to the moon?
*Geography - using the world map, locate each place mentioned in the book and mark the map with a dot.
*Science - allow students to form teams to make models of the phases of the moon.

Guyku A Year of Haiku for Boys

Bibliography

Raczka, Bob. 2010. Guyku A Year of Haiku for Boys. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. New York: NY. ISBN: 978-0-547-24003-9.

About the Book

Haiku, a particularly mathematical poetic form, is naturally appealing to boys.  This collection, in particular, was written expressly to appeal to early elementary school boys.  Guiding readers through the seasons, each haiku presents a topic that is universally enjoyable by boys in this age group.  From catching grasshoppers, to skipping rocks and many other "boyish" activities, readers will enjoy this short, easy to read poetic form.  Additionally, the science tie-in of things in nature and outdoor events are also topics boys (and girls!) will love. Raczka maintains the requirements of haiku, with this focus on seasons and nature, and writes a series of six poems per season. This collection could by read by children or shared with children by an adult.  The presentation of one haiku and adorable drawings on each page make it extremely inviting. 

One Poem

If this puddle could

talk, I think it would tell me

to splash my sister. 

Activities

*Poetry Break - read the above Haiku and discuss what else might we hear if something in nature could talk.

* After reading this collection, invite students to choose a topic and write a collaborative class poem about something in nature.

* Share other books of haiku, such as Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw. Discuss how the presentation of this book is different from Guyku.

*Explore the website www.GuykuHaiku.com and then allow students to explore it as well. 

Inside Out & Back Again

Bibliography

Lai, Thanhha. 2011. Inside Out & Back Again. Harper Collins Children's Books. New York:NY. 978-0-06-196278.

About the Book
This verse novel is a new historical fiction that could also enhance a multicultural collection in a children's or young adult section. The short lines and appearance of the text on each page helps reluctant readers or possibly ESL students feel that this novel is more manageable for them to read. The story presented by Ms. Lai is taken from her own life experience of moving from Vietnam in 1975 to Alabama.  Her first introductions to school, American traditions (such as Christmas), and the trials her entire family experience as they try to find their place in this new world.  Since her father has been missing for nine years in the Vietnam War, Ha (the main character) flees with her mother and three brothers by boat to Guam, then Florida, and finally to Alabama where they meet their sponsor. This simple presentation of the hardships and rewards of those immigrants who move to America is eye-opening and helps the reader evaluate his or her own reaction to people in this difficult situation. Lai artfully presents her realistic descriptions in a sequenced narrative that is historically significant through her use of believable characters and dramatic situations. I would recommend this book for library collections that service patrons from grades 4 - 8. 


Book Excerpt
As soon as I remove my coat,
everyone stops talking.


A girl in red velvet 
comes over to me.
Don't ya know flannel 
is for nightgowns and sheets?

I panic.

The red-velvet girl 
points to the middle
of my chest.
See this flower?
They only put that
on nightgowns.

I look down
at the tiny blue flower
barely stitched on.

I rip it off.
Nightgown no more.  

Activities
*Reader's Theater- using multiple copies of the book, assign characters, including Ha, the narrator and allow students to read a selected excerpt from the book.
*After reading the selected excerpt above aloud to the class, instruct students to write a passage describing a situation that they might find themselves in, such as wearing pajamas as regular clothes.
*After reading this novel, ask students to read another historical or realistic fiction novel and compare the character's experiences.