Betsill's Book Nook

Module 5   Soft Hay Will Catch You: Poems by Young People by Sanford Lyne Bibliography Sandford Lyne. (2004). Soft hay will catch you: Poems by young people (J. Monks, Illus.) . Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780689834608 Summary This is a wonderful little anthology of poems written by people ages 8-18. The book is an unusually narrow one with a fun illustration on the cover which can appeal to any age of reader. Once opened, you will find acknowledgments, an introduction, then a table of contents which catalogues six sections with a brief description, but no list of poems within the description, and after the poems, you will find an index of poets. Dispersed throughout the book are six glossy pages of chalk-pastel type illustrations that emanate warmth and welcoming.   Analysis This book is a collection of poems by young people of an array of grades. Divided by topic, they are sorted into six different sections, which is beneficial to the reader...

  Module 5 This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman Bibliography Sidman, J. (2007). This is just to say : Poems of apology and forgiveness (P. Zagarenski, Illus.). Houghton Mifflin Co. Summary Flipping through the pages, you will immediately notice the bright colors of each page and the attractive, colorful drawings. The book is eye-catching and appealing to readers. Upon opening the book, the table of contents divides the book into two parts: apologies and responses. The introduction tells of a 6 th grade class who created this book after writing some incredible poetry modeled after William Carlos Williams’ poem (spoiler alert: the class and the students who wrote the poems are from the imagination of Joyce Sidman). Next, is the inspiration for the book, the poem This is Just to Say by William Carlos William. At the back of the book is a dedication page and on the book flaps is information about the author and illustrator. Analysis This b...

 Module 6   Salting the Ocean: 100 Poems by Young Poets by Naomi Shihab Nye Bibliography Nye, N. S. (2000). Salting the ocean: 100 poems by young poets (A. Bryan, Illus.). Greenwillow Books. Summary This poetry anthology is as the title states: poems by young people in grades one through twelve, but they are for people of all ages. Opening the book, you will find a table of contents with four clearly labeled sections detailing how many poems each section contains and the common theme of the poems within the section. Additionally, it lists the backmatter. Beginning with the introduction in three parts, the author addresses anyone and a “couple in Nova Scotia,” “teachers, librarians, parents, and other friends who may pick up this book,” and “to the poets” (2000, p. ix, xi, xiiii). Through this introduction, she provides a history of her writing and teaching, and encouragement to those who currently or will write poetry. Each section is sandwiched with vibrant illustratio...