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Poetry

The Poet X

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The Poet X  By Elizabeth Acevedo
Format: Audio
Who it’s for:  Teens, Adults

Xiomara, a Dominican American teen living in Harlem, is struggling to define who she is.  Her twin brother, Xavier, is the smart one.  He skipped a grade and attends a different, “smart” high school.  Xiomara (See-oh-MAH-ruh) is lost in her journal, defending herself from the attention of boys, and running away from her mother’s religion.  Xiomara’s teacher introduces her to slam poetry and invites her to attend a poetry club.  But, it’s at the same time as her confirmation class so she doesn’t attend.    Xiomara continues to write her thoughts, frustrations and passions in her journal.

Xiomara meets a boy in Bio class, Aman, that she is definitely interested in.  She sneaks away to the park to spend time with him.  She reads him her poetry and she realizes that she is good at it.  But, Mami, still expects her to attend confirmation class and be a good, religious girl.  It all comes crashing down on her when her Mami finds out about her boyfriend and finds her journal.

This award winning novel is told in poetry.  It was an amazing audio experience.  To hear the words is very different than to read them.  And, if you do not speak Spanish it is much easier to listen so the words are pronounced correctly.

This book won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature (2018) and the Michael L. Printz Award (2019).

 Find it in the catalog.

Giant Squid

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Submitted by Ms. Tess!

With poetic text from Candace Fleming and cinematic illustrations from Eric Rohmann, Giant Squid tells the story of a majestic and mysterious underwater beast. The giant squid lives in the deep sea and very little is known about them. Scientists must hypothesize on limited observations and apocryphal stories about how the giant squid lives day to day. We know of its long tentacles, its large eyes, and its beaky mouth. But less is known about how and why a giant squid can change the color and even pattern of its skin. Or how many eggs it lays and where. The back matter of the book contains information about the anatomy of the giant squid, information about the precarious study of the giant squid, and resources for further information about the giant squid. This would be a wonderful book to share with an elementary-school-aged child in your life! See this book listed in our catalog

Won Ton and Chopstick

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Submitted by Ms. Sam!

Won Ton and Chopstick by Lee Wardlaw is the all too familiar tale about the rivalry between two furry pets: a cat and a dog. Won Ton and Chopstick’s story is told in haiku and is all about their mysterious future. Won Ton was the only pet in the house and loved his kitty life. That is until Chopstick comes home and makes Won Ton barking mad. Won Ton tries to get Chopstick in trouble but results in his own booting out of the house. Slowly over time Won Ton and Chopstick learn to live with each other and realize that they both can be purrfectly happy under one roof. See this book listed in our catalog

The Night Before Christmas

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Submitted by Ms. Sue!

The Night Before Christmas, poem by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Holly Hobbie. This classic child’s poem of the night before Christmas was originally titled “Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas.” It rhythmically describes what can happen when Santa Claus comes on Christmas Eve as most children and parents are sleeping. But somebody wakes up upon hearing the clatter and the prancing and pawing of each reindeer hoof. In this illustrated version by Holly Hobbie, a new character is introduced. With a little magic and holiday surprise, Santa unpacks his bag full of toys and stuffs the stockings with presents and a teddy bear. “And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.” This enchanting poem and story will leave children with a feeling of anticipation and hope with one last message to all when St. Nicholas says, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” See this book listed in our catalog

Wee Rhymes

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Submitted by Ms. Melissa!

Nursery rhymes are important! When children hear rhymes, they learn the sounds of different vowels and consonants. They also learn how to put these sounds together to make words. Rhymes are patterns repeat, which allows children to easily recall and memorize sounds. They also make great facial exercises for children’s tongues and mouths, which may help with speech later on. Not to mention, nursery rhymes are fun! Together you and your child will make lasting memories that will forever bond you. If you are interested in sharing rhymes with your child, check out Wee Rhymes: Baby’s First Poetry Book, a collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes and original rhymes by Jane Yolen, with illustrations by Jane Dyer. See this book listed in our catalog

Slither Slide What’s Outside

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Submitted by Ms. Janis!

I really love this happy picture book and the way it inspires playful creativity. Slither Slide, What’s Outside? by Sheryl Shapiro is meant for preschoolers, but I think any child willing to move to his or her right-brain will find the freedom of thought and movement each page challenges its readers to enjoy. The poetry is fast, fun, and conveys excitement and joy. This book is one that adults will not get tired of reading to their little ones. Some poems are punchy and some use alliteration. I see parents playing right alongside their child, laughing, smiling, and creating. The bright, cheerfully colored illustrations add to the imaginative flow of the book, and it could be used in a STEM program for the library! See this book listed in our catalog