Poetry by Kids

Poetry By Kids
Hope Through Heartstrings
By Mattie J. T. Stepanek

Bibliography
Stepanek, Mattie J. T. 2002. Hope Through Heartstrings. New York: Hyperion.
ISBN 0786869445

Book Review
An accomplished poet, Mattie J. T. Stepanek was a young child whose life was drastically cut short by a lifelong battle with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. In his third collection of heartwarming personal poems all written in free verse, Mattie shares his thoughts, trials, and tribulations while dealing with his daily health struggles, along with feelings of death and divorce. Some poems are happy and some are sad.

An advocate for world peace, Mattie successfully delivers this common theme throughout each poem. Those who read his poems will close this book and become a better person. Readers will hardly believe the talent that permeates throughout this book from such an extraordinary young man. After reading each poem in this collection, readers will see how writing poetry can be the perfect outlet for self-expression. As for further inspiration, special acknowledgments from Mattie himself are given to a number of “famous people” such as Jimmy Carter, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lewis, to name a few. Well-known spiritual author, Gary Zukov shares his words of wisdom in an elegantly written “Foreword.”

Beautiful finger painted illustrations accompany some of these poems and further add to the innocent childlike appeal uncovered in every single poem. A neatly arranged table of contents introduces three different chapters that separate the meanings behind his poems. Plus, an index organized like no other, is included at the end for a quick and easy reference when looking for poems. Each poem is arranged alphabetically by title, with a first line excerpt, and the page number. The book size itself is also something reminiscent of a small journal or diary for one to write and keep personal poetry.

The poem, “For Our World,” is one such poem that shows the outstanding quality found in Mattie’s poetry. Like many of his poems, this one delivers a feeling of calmness and serenity in trying to make this world a better place for all of us. It is a poem that makes you stop and think about the important things in life.

For Our World

We need to stop.
Just stop.
Stop for a moment...
Before anybody
Says or does anything
That may hurt anyone else.
We need to be silent.
Just silent.
Silent for a moment...
Before we forever lose
The blessing of songs
That grow in our hearts.
We need to notice.
Just notice.
Notice for a moment...
Before the future slips away
Into ashes and dust of humility.
Stop, be silent, and notice...
In so many ways, we are the same.
Our differences are unique treasures.
We have, we are, a mosaic of gifts
To nurture, to offer, to accept.
We need to be.
Just be.
Be for a moment...
Kind and gentle, innocent and trusting,
Like children and lambs,
Never judging or vengeful
Like the judging and vengeful.
And now, let us pray,
Differently, yet together,
Before there is no earth, no life,
No chance for peace.

September 2001

Extensions
After reading “For Our World,” or other poems found in this collection, children my feel inclined to begin their own poetry journals. Children can use this journal anyway they wish. They can write their own poetry or collect favorite poems in a special folder, notebook, or a diary. Encourage the use of colorful illustrations or simple sketches to further add a special touch to their personal collection.

For information on this wonderfully talented poet, visit his personal website:
http://www.mattieonline.com/

Enjoy other books written by Mattie J. T. Stepanek:
Celebrate Through Heartsongs - ISBN 9780786869459
Heartsongs - ISBN 9780786888092
Journey Through Heartsongs - ISBN 9780786869428
Loving Through Heartsongs - ISBN 9780786869466

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Janeczko Collection

Janeczko Collection
Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices
by Paul B. Janeczko and Illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Bibliography
Janeczko, Paul B. 2001. Dirty Laundry Pile: Poems in Different Voices. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
ISBN: 0688162525

Book Review
In this collection of twenty-seven poems written in the voices of average ordinary objects, or that of animals, Paul Janeczko delivers true poetic brilliance with the inclusion of works from such accomplished poets as Douglas Florian, Kristine O’Connell George, Karla Kuskin and others. Along with great poems like “Dirty Laundry Pile” and “Grandpa Bear’s Lullaby,” readers will experience beautifully written verses describing the little peculiarities or details of the unnoticed aspects of those things we come in contact with throughout our lives. Janeczko supplies a variety of poems to hold the interest of different readers as well. Some poems are written in free verse, while others rhyme. Some poems are all over the page twisting and flowing, and a few are even written as lists. During the “Introduction” at the beginning of the book, Janeczko does an equally brilliant job in informing readers about the unique qualities of his collection. He encourages us to imagine ourselves as these objects, while also tapping into the feelings these objects may have. For example, what might it be like as a mosquito, a scarecrow, or a vacuum cleaner? Janeczko further explains to readers how these types of poems are also called, “persona or mask poems” when writing about commonplace objects or animals. Readers of these poems are also offered an element of surprise, as you never know what object or animal comes next in this splendid collection of poems.

An entertaining assortment of beautifully colored illustrations equally parallel the greatness of these poems. Melissa Sweet provides a stunning display of watercolor paintings detailing the different moods presented in each poem. Pictures that visually describe the wild and crazy antics of a ferocious vacuum cleaner sucking everything up in its sight, or the desperate plea of a cold and lonely horse standing in a freezing barn hungering for a carrot and a warm cozy blanket. Throughout her illustrations, Sweet offers a vast array of images with the tiniest of details to further entice the reader.

In the following poem, “The Vacuum Cleaner’s Revenge,” poet Patricia Hubbell hilariously depicts the characteristics of a vacuum cleaner. Readers can actually hear each sound of the crunching and munching made by this crazy electric floor sweeper sucking up everything in its sight. Children will further enjoy acting out the motions of the vacuum cleaner as it does its duty.

The Vacuum Cleaner’s Revenge
by Patricia Hubbell

I munch. I crunch.
I zoom. I roar.

I clatter-clack
Across the floor.

I swallow twigs.
I slurp dead bugs.

I suck the cat hair
From the rugs.

My stomach full
Of dirt and dust

I gulp another
Pizza crust.

A tiresome life-
All work, no play-

I think I’ll swallow you today!

Extensions
After reading this poem, children will surely be excited about writing a poem of an ordinary object. The entire writing process can be followed with children listing unique traits about their object, and then forming phrases and sentences into perky little verses. Expose children to different poetic forms so they can be encouraged to try writing these for themselves.

For a different twist from the poems found in Dirty Laundry Pile, try another Janeczko collection titled, Hey, You! In this book, poems are actually written to objects and animals, instead of written from their point of view.

Hey, You!: Poems to Skyscrapers, Mosquitoes, and Other Fun Things
ISBN 9780060523473

Enjoy other books written by Paul Janeczko:
A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout - ISBN 9780763606633
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms - ISBN 9780763641320
The Place My Words Are Looking For: What Poets Say About and Through Their Work
ISBN 9780027476712
A Poke in the I - ISBN 9780744589405
Poetry from A to Z: A Guide for Young Writers - ISBN 9780027476729

Image Source: LibraryThing

Serious Poetry

Serious Poetry
Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart
by Vera B. Williams

Bibliography
Williams, Vera. 2001. Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart. New York: Greenwillow Books.
ISBN: 006029461

Book Review
The sad and pathetic lives of Amber and Essie are poignantly summarized through a collection of twenty-eight poems written and illustrated by Vera Williams. Each poem describes the day to day struggles of two innocent little girls who try to maintain a decent life while their mother works all day long, and their father spends time in jail. Although young in age, incessant experience from this way of life has forced them to grow and mature much faster than young girls should. Every poem delivers a strong dose of realism that sadly many children face in today’s society, and this is eloquently accomplished by Williams’ poetic style. Above all, these tender free verse poems tell of the undying sisterly love between Amber and Essie, and how they look out for each other when they spend their days all alone, with hardly a bite to eat.

Williams further displays a lovely collection of simple black charcoal sketches to offer appealing visuals to readers. However, readers are first greeted with colorfully sketched pastel pictures of Amber and Essie in beautiful eye catching colors. Williams offers a surprise at the end as she includes a photo album presented with the same colorful pastels of the characters mentioned throughout each of these poems in the book. A picture of Amber’s braids falling to her feet, or the ever popular Sunday “girls only” routine titled, “Beauty Parlor Time,” are added to complete a happy ending to this book.

“Best Sandwich,” is one poem from this collection that shows the love and affection these two young sisters give each other when they spend many evenings all alone. Included in this special sandwich, is the beloved stuffed animal named, Wilson The Bear.

Best Sandwich

“Best sandwich” they called it
with Amber on one side
and Essie on the other
with one fat pillow close by Essie’s cheek
and one fat pillow by Amber’s
while Wilson The Bear
lay right in the middle
up against them both

“Best sandwich” they called it
and it filled them up
when peanut butter wouldn’t
and jelly couldn’t
(only crackers were on the shelf anyway)
when their Mama was at her job
and their Daddy was far away
and the house felt dark

When they did “Best Sandwich”
it turned the room friendly from strange
and they could breathe each other’s breath
in and out and in and out
till they heard at last
their mother’s key in the big front door

Extensions
After reading and sharing the poem, “Best Sandwich,” display this poem on large butcher paper or through a projector so children can read and view Williams’ poetic style firsthand. During different readings of this poem, draw attention to the absence of punctuation used throughout the poem. Mention how this is a writing technique commonly found within some poems. But, also notice that even with the absence of punctuation, this poem still flows and delivers a special meaning.

After reading and enjoying this poem, children can create a biopoem on either Amber or Essie by listing character traits gathered from this poem. As an alternative, children may also enjoy writing a biopoem about themselves describing a time they were brave or smart.

Image Source: HarperCollins Publishers

Free Choice

Free Choice
Once I Ate a Pie
By Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest and Illustrated by Katy Schneider

Bibliography
MacLachlan, Patricia and Emily MacLachlan Charest. 2006. Once I Ate a Pie. Ill. by Katy Schneider. New York: Joanna Cotler Books.
ISBN 9780060735319

Book Review
A collection of thirteen tenderly written poems, Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest base each poem from the point of view of a dog. Each fine furry friend has a sensual and compassionate story to tell in an eloquently created free verse style poem. Each poem is delivered as only a little doggy could know, with words written in large and small print, with wavy up and down staggered letters to represent the sincerity and feelings of each little canine. Since the poems are appropriately titled with a doggy’s name, readers are immediately introduced and acquainted with each puppy, and of course every puppy is excited and happy to tell you their very own story.

Both authors do an excellent job in portraying the unique characteristics of every single dog. Some pages are neatly organized, while others are messy in every which way in order to represent how the puppy truly is in real life. Plus, every reader can relate to the crazy antics and lifestyles of these little dogs. Some of us sleep with our dogs right in the middle of our beds, some of us search for missing items that our lovely little pooch has confiscated, or some of us are currently experiencing the true love and heartbreak of caring for an aging elderly dog like in the poem titled, “Luke.”

Illustrator Katy Schneider does an equally brilliant job in portraying the unique details and qualities of each dog. Beautifully painted pictures show the true realism which those of us as dog owners can relate to. For instance, how many of us have ever walked into a room only to see our just made pie turned upside down on the floor, and the evidence covered all over your little “Mr. Beefy?” It is also worth noting that you need to be prepared for the sad and loving puppy dog faces in the process. Who could ever get upset with poor little “Mr. Beefy” even after he destroyed your pie and a made a big mess all over your clean house? Schneider’s approach to illustrating matches the appeal of each canine, with images blended in and out of each poem, and throughout the two pages dedicated to each dog’s special little verse. Classic and colorful brush strokes of Schneider’s paintbrush brings out the best of each little pooch. Soft shadows and blended shades bring a soft and loving touch to each canine’s facial features and expressions, and healthy fur coats.

The authors appropriately end this collection of poems with a verse fittingly titled, “Luke.” Although readers are greeted with different breeds, varieties, and ages, “Luke” is an elderly dog who tells his story of younger days when he was a young buckeroo chasing snowflakes and running through the tall grass, just footloose and fancy free. Now, he sleeps all day as old doggies do to rest their weary bones and bask in all their glory under the bright shining sun.

Luke

The sun is warm
And I sleep.
I dream about when I was young.
I chased snowflakes in the winter.
And I ran through the grasses in spring.
I still bark when I want to.
And tonight I howl at the moon.
But now the sun is warm.
And I sleep.
And I dream.

Extensions
Pair the poem “Luke” with the book I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
ISBN 0517572656

The poem “Luke” can be paired with a book titled, I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm. This book tells the story of a sweet little dog named Elfie and the life she spends with her little boy as they grow old together. A word of warning, be prepared to have tissues handy while reading this story. It is a tear jerker just like “Luke.”

Every child who has a pet always has a story to tell. Why not write a poem about their own beloved pet in free verse style? The process can be an exciting adventure as they add the fun format presented in Once I Ate a Pie. Children will love to integrate the fun wavy print presented throughout this book of doggy poems. Explain to children how to write from the point of view of their pet. They will definitely enjoy putting themselves in their pet’s shoes or paws. Use watercolor paints to mask the same effect of illustrations created by Schneider. Afterwards, allow children to share their work while reading the poem the way they think their pet would sound if it could really talk just like us.

Children will also enjoy acting out or performing the actions or activities of each dog.

Image Source: HarperCollins Children’s Books

Hopkins Award Poetry

Hopkins Award Poetry
Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices
by Walter Dean Myers

Bibliography
Myers, Walter Dean. 2004. Here in Harlem: Poems in Many Voices. New York: Holiday House.
ISBN: 0823418537

Book Review
Through a classical collection of fifty-four poems, poet Walter Dean Myers introduces readers to his fascinating life while growing up in a well known place called Harlem. Each poem is written in a different voice to completely capture the essence of those who played a special role in Myers’ life. With Harlem having so much history, it is only fitting to include poems with such famous Harlem residents like Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Duke Ellington.

Authentic black and white photos are randomly placed throughout the text to further provide a classical appeal that resonates the true heart of Harlem. The ivory colored pages with tattered edges further gives the reader a feeling of reading a personal journal or perusing a photo album of Walter Dean Myers’ childhood. In fact, the front and back covers immediately entice readers with a black and white photo of Duke Ellington on the front, and two well dressed young men on the back, one of which is Walter Dean Myers in the prime of his youth.

Reading each poem takes the reader on a rhythmical journey with inclusions of pure Harlem heritage and dialect flowing within the entire book. In her first of six testimonies found throughout Myers’ book, “Clara Brown” speaks of Harlem by stating, “Everybody’s asking me why I’m always talking about Harlem. Well, child, to me, Harlem is like an old friend.” Walter Dean Myers allows readers to enter a different way of life with “rice and collards” and “rent-due blues,” while every poem is aptly titled to represent a character from his past. These poems written by Myers are delivered in a variety of poetic forms like free-verse, rhythm and rhyme, gospel, and jazzy blues.

People of all ages can relate to those included throughout this book, with poems from Harlem residents ranging from twelve to eighty-seven years of age. A variety of citizens from veterans, to students, to a boxer, a hustler, and a nanny are all represented. All types of people with all types of stories brought together to educate others in a Harlem way of life. The organization of the book is genuinely thought out as well, with a complete table of contents provided at the beginning, and occasional testimonials included from the great “Clara Brown.” Readers find out at the very end who “Clara Brown” is, along with a page dedicated to the people, places, and terms to add further understanding to the poems that make up this beautifully written book.

The following poem shows Harlem culture at its finest.

Macon R. Allen, 38
Deacon

I love a shouting church!
Praises bounding off the ceiling
The rhythm catching up the feet
Tambourines that send the spirits reeling

Yes, give me a shouting church!

A big sister wiping at her face
Praising Jesus to a jump-up preacher
As he hollers gospel on the way to grace

Lord, give me a shouting church!
Where everybody knows the end is coming fast
And the righteous speak in tongues
Saying, “Sinner, don’t let this harvest pass”

Don’t give me no whispering church
Don’t be mumbling nothing to my Lord
You came in crying and you going out crying
So don’t be holding back the word

Oh, Lord, I love a shouting church!
Wake up Lazarus! Wake up Paul!
Wake up the congregation, and lift their hearts
If they don’t hear it now, they won’t hear at all
Oh, I love shouting church!
Can I get an A-man?

Extensions
After reading the poem, “Macon R. Allen, 38,” and other poems from Myers‘ book, children can bring copies of black and white photos of their own ancestors and write a poem based on their life from information collected from other family members. It is important to our own heritage that children learn these stories and utilize them in creative ways like writing poetry. These poems can be mounted along with the black and white photo to be displayed for others to learn the fascinating facts of different families. This would be a perfect tie in with lessons that focus on family trees and genealogy.

Older children may enjoy performing these poems to each other. Provide copies of these poems to allow children to select their favorite poem so they can practice becoming the character.

This book can be recognized and shared during the month of February during African American History Month and in recognition of Langston Hughes‘ birthday.

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Performance Poetry

Performance Poetry
Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs
by Alan Katz and Illustrated by David Catrow

Bibliography
Katz, Alan. 2001. Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs. Ill. by David Catrow. New York: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0439434122

Book Review
Children of all ages will love the wild and crazy antics that appear throughout this hilarious collection of “silly dilly” songs and rhymes. Each nonsensical poem takes the reader on an amusing musical journey. Every poem is hard to predict with Katz providing just the right touch at making each poem a memorable event with a surprise snappy ending. Catchy rhyming words and easy to follow musical beats to familiar childhood tunes like “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” will allow each child to experience complete success and fun, while leaving the reader or listener begging for more.

Whimsical and wacky pictures perfectly accentuate each poem with busy full page spreads filled with zany details to match these crazy poems. Artist David Catrow delivers comic strip like illustrations with a blend of beautiful watercolors, colored pencils, and ink pen outlines. The colorful shades of paints add to the explosive quality of the entire book, which leads readers to side splitting laughter from start to finish. Children will fall over laughing at the sight of the innocent butt cheeks from a boy who roller blades in a bathtub, or the bulging yellow eyes from an irritable canine in the poem, “Cranky Poodle.” Katz successfully takes touchy subjects and situations, and turns them into laughable and memorable masterpieces. Smelly diapers, loose shoe laces, and overdue library books are just a few examples of what Katz and Catrow undertake as they lead children through a comical adventure of “silly dilly” outrageous songs.

“Cranky Poodle” is a poem that just about anyone can relate to, whether they are a pet owner, or someone who lives next door to a perturbed pooch or a cranky cat. Share this poem aloud at first, and then display the poem where children have the opportunity to sing along as a group. Have children march to the “Yankee Doodle Dandy” tune to encourage a deeper sense of rhythm. But, be prepared for a lot of laughter and silliness!

Cranky Poodle
(To the tune of “Yankee Doodle”)

Cranky Poodle in my home
Clawing, scratching, howling
Scaring people, scaring cats
Unrolling paper toweling.

Cranky Poodle drives me nuts
Most days I can’t bear it
Wish my folks would trade her for
A hamster or a parrot!

I took Cranky for a walk
Although I hate to mention
She pulled me halfway down the block
To chase a fire engine.

Cranky Poodle, you’re a pest
Wish you were a guppy
Oh no! Guess what mom told me
Our poodle just had puppies!

Extensions
Everybody has a story about someone they know who is cranky, and children love to share these kinds of stories. Why not create a silly poem about this situation or others covered in this book? Encourage children to create a poem about a cranky pet or other issues mentioned in this book and follow up with a watercolor illustration. These poems can be added to a cranky collection and shared with others. For extra fun, try matching these poems to familiar childhood tunes. Working in small groups would be an exciting experience for all children.

Enjoy other silly songs and ryhmes by Alan Katz:
Are You Quite Polite? Silly Dilly Manners Songs - ISBN 9780689869709
I’m Still Here in the Bathtub: Brand New Silly Dilly Songs - ISBN 9780689845512
On Top of the Potty: And Other Get-Up-and-Go Songs - ISBN 9780689862151
Smelly Locker: Silly Dilly School Songs - ISBN 9781416906957

Image Source: Barnes & Noble

Biographical Poetry

Biographical Poetry
George Washington’s Teeth
By Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora and Illustrated by Brock Cole

Bibliography
Chandra, Deborah and Madeleine Comora. 2003. George Washington’s Teeth. Ill. by Brock Cole. New York: Farrar Strauss Giroux.
ISBN 0374325340

Book Review
Because George Washington is the Father of Our Country, many children are already acutely aware of his ongoing dental problems and false teeth. However, Deborah Chandra and Madeleine Comora approach this agonizing situation with humorous verve, while unlocking a few mysteries or rumors along the way. Through a lively and uplifting melodic beat in picture book format, readers are taken on a lifelong journey which eventually leads to complete and total “tooflessness.”

Rhyming patterns will further grab the attention of younger readers while teaching the unfamiliar and unknown parts of George Washington’s life. The entire poem equally offers an illustrated timeline of major events of the George Washington era, with such milestones as crossing the Delaware and becoming the nation’s first president. Illustrator Brock Cole contributes whimsical watercolor paintings with hilarious details that are represented throughout this poem. Soft colors with foggy hues perfectly complement the facial expressions of George Washington and those who had a firsthand experience with his tooth troubles. Together, the authors and illustrator allow readers to forget about the pain and agony often attributed with tooth pulling, and roll with the punches, or the tooth pulling.

For readers who are begging for greater details of how these events unfold, the authors have furnished a dynamic timeline of George Washington events at the end of this book. It is here that readers can pull more information about Washington’s life through his own letters, diaries, and written accounts of those who served under his tutelage, while quelling a few rumors that have traveled throughout American history. Sources for this timeline are also offered for the avid history buffs, or for those wanting to continue research on this incredible man with no teeth.

Poem Excerpt

Poor George had two teeth in his mouth
The day the votes came in.
The people had a President,
But one afraid to grin.

The portrait artist came to George.
He said, “I know a trick!
I’ll pad your mouth with cotton balls
To puff your sunken lips.”

George stood up to have a look --
He fell back on his fanny.
“It doesn’t look like me!” he roared.
“It looks like Martha’s granny!”

He yanked the cotton from his mouth,
Then gasped, “What have I done?”
The cotton held a rotten tooth.
Now George had only one!

Extensions
After reading this picture poem book, take advantage of Washington’s birthday and Dental Health Awareness, which are recognized and celebrated during the month of February. Supply a variety of poetry books that contain poems about George and dental health. Have children journal their tooth events and dentist visits, and turn these into comical poems much like George Washington’s Teeth. Students can design a shape poem by copying their work around a pattern of a large molar and illustrate this funny event on the blank part in the middle of the tooth pattern. Invite children to share their tooth poem and then add it to a display with a portrait of George Washington in the center. This comical approach to teeth may quell the fears often attributed to dentist visits.

Read other books about George:
George Washington and the General’s Dog by Frank Murphy - ISBN 9780375810152
George Washington’s Breakfast by Jean Fritz - ISBN 9780698116115

Image Source: Barnes & Noble