Grade 5-8–In two attractive, creative volumes, the intricacies of poetry are explored. The first one deals with the importance of choosing the right word, the opportunity to create new words or strange combinations, point of view, and hidden meanings. An excellent choice of poems, from William Carlos Williamss This Is Just to Say to Audre Lordes Hanging Fire, enhances the discussion of these aspects of poetry. The text asks readers questions about their impressions and reactions to the various verses. The second title offers clear explanations and examples of perfect, slant, and internal rhymes. The various forms a poem can take, including haiku, limerick, and sonnet, are also described. From Lucille Cliftons free verse [i am accused of tending to the past] to Theodore Roethkes villanelle The Waking, the selections will increase young peoples understanding and appreciation of this word music.
