Poetry
Poetry is a literary work that "communicates experience by appealing to both the thoughts and the feelings of its reader." (Huck, 342) The elements of poetry are rhythm, sound, imagery, figurative language, shape and impact. Poetry can be in the form of a ballad, narrative, lyrical, limerick, free verse, haiku or concrete poetry.
Toad by the Road
by Joanne Ryder
This fun collection of poems about amphibians could be used to introduce a Science unit, or to integrate Science and Reading. Each poem is followed by an interesting fact about amphibians. You will find this book a good fit for everyone, it is entertaining, informative, and has wonderful illustrations.
Interest Level: K-3
Reading Level: 2.4
Lexile: NP
Stephanie Karker
This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness
by Joyce Sidman
The premise of this book of poetry is that a class of sixth grade students in Mrs. Merz's class read William Carlos Williams' poem, "This is just to say," and were inspired to write their own poems of apology. Although this is a fictional class and the poems, with the exception of Williams' poem, were all written by Joyce Sidman it has the feel of being very real. The class writes their poems and then the second part of the book are poems of responses to their apologies. Some of the poems are very fun and funny, while others, especially those to parents, are very heartfelt and emotional.
Suggested grade level: 3-6
Reading level: 3.9
Jessica Schmitz
Yum! MmMm! ¡Qué rico!, America's Sproutings by Pat Mora A collection of haikus about foods native to the Americas. Reading level: 5.3 Reviewed by Arlette Leyva
Suggested grade level: K-3