This summer I discovered two verse novels for middle graders at my summertime library. Perhaps one or both have been shared before, but they're treasures to me, who will also be celebrating a birthday this month.
GONE CAMPING, written by Tamera Will Wissinger and illustrated by Matthew Cordell, is a fun book that is also a resource encouraging kids to explore writing poetry in different forms. (HMH, 2017)
Sam and Lucy are first time campers with their parents, but Lucy is a bit fearful as the camping trip begins.
The Woods Ahead
Rondelet
In the woods ahead
Branches and shadows reach everywhere.
In the woods ahead
How will I ever go to bed?
Who knows what creatures lurk in there.
Could be raccoons, or fox, or bear
In the woods ahead.
The extensive appendix explains rhyme, rhythm, poetic techniques and forms while referencing the book's poems.
Nikki Grimes' GARVEY'S CHOICE (Wordsong, 2016) is an important verse novel with themes of bullying, parental relationships and finding one's own voice. Grimes uses 5 -line tanka verses to tell Garvey's story. She's a master!
Origami
Mom's got a talent
for origami, but she
can't fold me into
the jock Dad wants me to be.
At least she knows not to try.
Go here if you want to visit Tamera Will Wissinger and Nikki Grimes.
Click over to Reflections on the Teche for Margaret's Birthday Treasures, amazing student poems that begin a new year, and all Poetry Friday treasures. Thank you, Margaret!
