Challenge: Poetry is intimidating for many students and teachers alike. This novel is unique because it is has a narrative structure embedded within the different poetic entries. Also uses many poems by Robert Frost and Walter Dean Myers as models and inspirations for various entries.
Curriculum Connection & Themes: Great book to show beginning readers that the struggles they may be facing with writing poetry are common. Students can make text-to-self-connections, while exploring various literary elements. This book documents how Jack learns to write poetry first through imitation and then taking more of his own risks as his confidence grows throughout the year.
- Importance of taking risks
- Breaking down stereotypes associated with writing poetry
Lexile: 1010L
Controversy: None
Rating: 4/5