blackbeard the pirate king written by j. patrick lewis

Lewis, J. Patrick. Blackbeard the Pirate King. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2006. ISBN: 9780792255857.

Critical Analysis:
     Blackbeard: The Pirate King, is a biographical compilation of poetry that depicts the life and death of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard. The author J. Patrick Lewis, describes the life and death of this pirate in a manner that collaborates poetry with a biography. Each encompasses details of Blackbeard's life while incorporating language, layout, and appeal through utilizing poetry. The layout of this compilation corresponds to one theme -- Blackbeard's life. From the beginning of this compilation to the conclusion, the author utilizes poetry to detail the life of Blackbeard. In the first poem, the author introduces Blackbeard by his real name, Edward Teach, and describes how the legacy of Blackbeard would never be achieved by any other pirate. The author also incorporates various illustrations that were created during the period of time when Blackbeard roamed the seas. Through this incorporation, the author has provided his audience with additions that enhance the essence of this particular biographical theme. Not only does the author utilize a layout that enhances the story of Blackbeard, but he also incorporates the pirate language within his poems. Within the Spotlight Poem below, "At Teach's Hole," the author includes the phrases 'derring-do' and 'twice told and true.' These phrases are just two out of many phrases used by pirates. Lewis' inclusion of these phrases add to the enhancement of this theme by allowing his audience to become divulged among the language used by whom he describes. By reading through this whole compilation, the audience is subjected to the life of Edward 'Blackbeard' Teach in a manner that appeals to their interests.  

Spotlight Poem:

"At Teach's Hole"

The ghostly headless figure
Of Blackbeard, it is said,
Still swims under the moonlight
Looking for its severed head.

But who knows where the truth lies
In tales of derring-do.
The tales that most excite you
And the tales twice told and true.

                          -J. Patrick Lewis

Connections:

• Ask children if they've ever heard of Blackbeard and who he was.
• Read the compilation to children and then have the children describe who he was based off of what they were just read. 
• Have children create their own poems about a particular person; it could be an autobiographic poem or a biographic poem. 

science verse written by jon scieszka and illustrated by lane smith

Scieszka, Jon. Science Verse, Illustrated by Lane Smith. New York: Viking, 2004. ISBN: 9780670910571

Critical Analysis:
     Science Verse is a collection of thematic poetry based around science. Each poem incorporated within this compilation directly relates to science’s subject content while including poetic elements such as: stanzas, rhyme scheme, and puns. Throughout a majority of the poetry compilation, Jon Scieszka utilizes puns in order to correlate the content with the selected science theme. In the Spotlight Poem below, “What’s the Matter,” the author uses puns such as ‘what’s the matter’ and ‘she didn’t know the state’ to demonstrate a specific play on words as it relates to science’s three states of matter.  Among the word play utilized, the author structures his poetry within stanzas that incorporate end rhyme schemes. As seen within the poem, “Scientific Method at the Bat,” there is an obvious utilization of an AABBCCDDEEFFGGHH rhyme scheme that is separated by four stanzas while incorporating a quatrain within each. By utilizing this separation the author is able to provide readers with anticipation and a structure that allows the content to transition to the next idea. More elements the author uses are allusions and references to popular nursery rhymes. By including these references the author is able to coincide science with a format and storyline that are already familiar to children. In the poem, “Jack Be Nimble,” the author states that ‘Jack jump over the combustion reaction of O2 + heat + fuel to form CO2 + light + heat + exhaust;’ this line uniquely teaches children the scientific elements and properties of a candle stick because they’re able to reference the well known nursery rhyme “Jack Be Nimble.”
     Not only does the author utilize poetic elements within this compilation, but he also collaborates with Lane Smith who successfully pairs each poem with vibrant illustrations. Despite the author’s intentional play on words, the illustrator depicts each line in a literal manner. By illustrating the author’s play on words, Smith is able to provide his audience with humor while incorporating the described elements of science. The author and illustrator do a fabulous job of pairing their talents in order to connect poetry with science within a picture book.

Spotlight Poem:

"What's the Matter?"

Miss Lucy had some matter.
She didn't know its state.
She only had three choices,
So tried to get it straight.

She thought it could be liquid,
Quite possibly a gas.
And if it wasn't solid,
Well call me sassafras.

Miss Lucy called the plumber.
Miss Lucy called the cop.
Miss Lucy called the egghead
With the perfectly bald top.

"Liquid," said the plumber.
"Solid," said the cop.
"Gas," said the egghead
With the perfectly bald, perfectly bald, perfectly bald
Top top top.

                                       - Jon Scieszka

Connections:

• Within each poem there is an allusion to science. Have the children identify each reference to science.
• Puns are a poetic element that are seen throughout this compilation; teach a small lesson on puns and have children identify the puns used in various poems.
• Each poem entails the theme of science. Proceeding each poem, further explain that specific theme that has been introduced. For example, in the Spotlight Poem "What's the Matter," further explain the three states of matter.

the other side: shorter poems written by angela johnson

Johnson, Angela. The Other Side: Shorter Poems. New York: Orchard Books, 1998. ISBN: 0531301141.

Critical Analysis:
     The Other Side is compiled of forty-two short poems that detail the memories recounted by a young girl growing up in the late 1970’s. This title is an example of social studies poetry, which provides readers with insight on the happenings during this certain period of time. Throughout this compilation the author includes certain descriptions that detail the times and circumstances during and directly proceeding the Civil Rights Movement. In the Spotlight Poem below, “Counters,” the author states ‘My Uncle Fred has a slash across his face from some redneck trying to stop him from ordering a lemonade from a lunch counter in Montgomery;’ this depicts the social injustices faced by African-Americans during a certain period of time when whites felt as if their race were superior to non whites and when they would proceed in violent acts in order to deter the fight against equality among races -- especially in the South.  Due to the basis of this compilation being a recount of is memories, the author uses a great deal of descriptive language so that her audience is able to visualize the extent of her content. Words such as, ‘red lights in the cold night’ and ‘crack the ice in the puddle,’ are lines that provide readers with descriptions that coincide with more than one of the five senses. The author, Angela Johnson, touches her audience by providing them with a portrayal of what it was like during a dire period of time in history in a subtle manner than does not divert readers who may not be fond of history and social aspects of the past.
 
Spotlight Poem:

"Counters"

My Uncle Fred has a slash
across his face from
some redneck
trying to
stop him from ordering
a lemonade from a lunch counter
in Montgomery.
When the weather changes, it
aches him, he says,
but smiles when
he says it, whenever he says it.
All m mama could remember
was how Grandmama had
screamed and
talked about
leaving the South.
All I can think is
how terrible it was
and how beautiful
it made him.

                      - Angela Johnson

Connections:

• The purpose of this form of poetry is to introduce this social topic. Read this short compilation to children and ask them what aspects they heard that collaborate with history, such as blacks sitting at diner counters to only be denied service.
• Follow up with the movie Selma and The Butler which depict social injustices during the Civil Rights Movement that include depictions of counter sit ins.
• Dissect each poem and provide students with the historical content as it relates to the content of each line and poem. 
• Bring to the attention of children of the imagery and the dialogue used to describe the circumstances that are being recounted.

blue lipstick: concrete poems written by john grandits

Grandits, John. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2007. ISBN: 9780618851324.

Critical Analysis:

     Blue Lipstick is a compilation of concrete poetry that describes the life of a teenage girl. The author utilizes concrete poetry, which is a style of poetry that visually illustrates the content of the poem. In the poem, "All My Important Thinking Gets Done in the Shower," there is an illustration of a shower head with words that seemingly flow out of it. Not only do these words flow out of the shower head, but they are also blue. The author, John Grandits, utilizes symbolism by depicting the words as the color of water, as well as the illusion of the words flowing. 

     Not only does the author provide visual appeal to this compilation, but he also uses language in a manner that is naturally appealing to children. In the poem, "Zombie Jocks," the author utilizes a technique where he seemingly makes up words to create an end rhyme. Despite the author making these words up, they're exactly how children talk. For instance, the words win-em, pin-em, skin-em, evoke a familiarity in how children run their words together. Instead of separating the words win them, children combine them together and pronounce it as one word -- win-em. The inclusion of such words, end rhymes, and visual components all combine in naturally appealing to children.

Spotlight Poem:

"All My Important Thinking Gets Done in the Shower"

                                      - John Grandits

Connections:

• Have children create their own concrete poetry. Begin with something simple as drawing a car and having them write on the outline of the car about ideas that come to them relating to a car.
• Choose a particular poem and prior to reading it, ask children what the image conveys to them and compare if they were close what the content of the poem included. 

words with wings written by nikki grimes

Grimes, Nikki. Words with Wings. Pennsylvania: WordSong, 2013. ISBN: 9781590789858

Critical Analysis:

     Words with Wings is a verse novel based around an archetype -- divorce. The author, Nikki Grimes, structures her verse novel in a manner where each poem builds on the story of the protagonist, Gaby. Gaby's parents are going through a divorce and the author describes how Gaby deals with her parents' divorce through the usage of vivid imagery. Because Nikki Grimes has based this verse novel around an archetype, it speaks directly to those who have gone through the same situations, which allows them to profoundly relate to this verse novel. What makes this verse novel so special are the emotions that are evoked through the descriptions of how Gaby copes with her parents' divorce. In the poem, "Wishful Thinking," Gaby comes to the realization that her mother sees her father in her to the point where she begins to resent Gaby and wishes that she would become more like her mother. This poem is four lines long; however, within this poem, the author is able to provide her audience with a depth that describes exactly what Gaby is going through. Not only does the author provide her audience with a relatable concept and theme, but the language used throughout her verses appeals to juveniles. She uses words and circumstances that directly relate to juveniles as they go through their school days and their typical routines at home, such as not wanting to do the dishes or having to set the table for dinner. These simple elements that Nikki Grimes incorporate within Words with Wings aid her in obtaining copious amounts of awards including the Coretta Scott King Award and the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.

Spotlight Poem:

"Wishful Thinking"

I've figured it out:

Mom wants me to be

less like Dad,

more like she.

                 - Nikki Grimes

Connections:

• Build a discussion around archetypes and what exactly they are. Ask children if they can relate to typical issues that most families go through, such as divorce, and how they cope with it.
• Ask children what outlet they may use to cope with certain situations. Perhaps they are daydreams like Gaby; perhaps they write poetry or in a journal; perhaps they are in sports.

poisoned apples: poems for you, my pretty written by christine heppermann

Heppermann, Christine. Poisoned Apples: Poems for you, my Pretty. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2014. ISBN: 9780062289575

Critical Analysis:

     Poisoned Apples is a collection of fifty poems written in verse form. The author, Christine Heppermann, uses distinct language, organization, and layout that specifically appeal to the teenage girl audience. She incorporates a layout that includes black and grey pages that symbolize elegance, mystery, and fear. The usage of these particular colors correlate with the theme of life not being a fairy tale. Along with the usage of symbolic colors throughout this collection, the author also uses a distinct tone and unique style of correlating the ideals of fairy tales with everyday instances of teenage girls. The language used throughout the novel, directly appeals to the teenage girl. In the poem, "Prince Charming," the author includes stanzas within the layout, as well as a twist on the old meaning of Prince Charming. Christine describes all of the mannerisms that Prince Charming encompasses; however, at the conclusion of the poem when Prince Charming is alone with his girl, he encompasses the modern day teenage boy who is portrayed as someone who sexualizes females. The twists and irony used throughout this verse novel provide teenage girls with everyday occurrences that of which they relate.  

Spotlight Poem:

"Prince Charming"

First thing through the door, Jed compliments

Mom's new haircut.

He listens to Dad go off.

"Guess we'll have to wait for baseball, Jed,

to win back Husky pride."

He brings state quarters for my sister's 

lame collection. She shrieks like they are

diamonds.

Finally he guides me down

the slippery driveway to his car,

engine running, heat on high

so I won't be cold. He says, "Girl,

you look amazing. That sweater

makes your boobs look

way bigger."

                     - Christine Heppermann

Connections:

• Assign this verse novel to your teenage audience; however, before reading the novel, have each teen discuss what they think a fairy tale encompasses. 
• After the assignment of completely reading this verse novel, separate the females from the males and ask how they felt about this verse novel. "Do you agree with what was included?" "Was the author able to depict what really goes on?"
• Make sure the discussion forum is an honest one and see how the answers vary between teenage girls and teenage boys.