SWIRL BY SWIRL: SPIRALS IN NATURE

Joyce Sidman. 2011. SWIRL BY SWIRL: Spirals in Nature. New York; NY: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN: 9780547315836

In the book, Swirl by Swirl written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beth Krommes, the author and illustrator blend together words and picture to seamlessly demonstrate the simple but complex beauty of the spiral in nature.  This book of poetry could also span across the curriculum with so much scientific information on nature in a variety of forms.  The poem describes a spiral as “a snuggling shape” that “fits neatly in small places” serving many purposes.  The illustrations show the spirals in the underground dwelling of a variety of woodland creatures.  The spiral coils with anticipation waiting for  “…a chance to expand” showing the range of motion and activity in the forest.  The book continues through areas such as ocean, mountains and plants showing the utilitarian side and the simple beauty of this common shape.  Sidman’s words work to make the usual, unusual with her blend of language and imagery. 

A spiral reaches out to the world.

It winds around and around…

…and clings tightly,

grasping what it needs.

It never has trouble holding on.

This section of the poem shows the relationship between spirals in habitats like the ocean and jungle.  It highlights hoe creatures rely on the spiral to gather supplies and find safety in the environment.  This would be a great opportunity to share poetry in a science classroom and ask students to find spirals in their own life.  They would also consider the role of the spiral in their own life just as the poem and artwork reflect in the book. 

The illustrations of Krommes are essential to the portrayal of the piece.  The positioning of the bright and dark have stark contrast and highlight the nature of the spirals in nature.  The pieces demonstrate spirals in flowers and animals and places that would seem to be overlooked.  The images help the understanding of the work and engage the reader as they search for more and more spirals.  A great follow-up would be a nature walk in search of spirals. 

A KICK IN THE HEAD: AN EVERYDAY GUIDE TO POETIC FORMS

Janeczko, Paul B. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-7636-4132-0.

A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms by Paul Janeczko and illustrated by Chris Raschka shares 29 styles of poetry ranging from limericks to haiku and offers concise and “kid-friendly” explanations of each form of poetry.  This book is the second in a trilogy highlighting different aspects of poetry.  Janeczko includes pieces from a variety of accomplished poets.  The pieces convey a range of emotion from silly to quite stoic.  The author brilliantly connects the young readers by offering a sports analogy in the explanation of rules.  This familiar comparison will encourage their interest in the underlying rules, which, Janeczko says, "make poetry--like sports--more fun."  After demonstrating the value of rules, the book then flips the concept and conveys the “rule-breaking” nature of poetry.  The Mule reminds the reader to make poetry his/her own.

The Mule

by Ogden Nash

In the word of mules

There are no rules.

One of the great things about this book is that the collection offers enough variety in text and complexity to use this book at a variety of levels, including secondary students.  The complex forms of poetry are engaging and well defined to help the reader understand the complex and the simple. 

As if the poetry of this piece wasn’t enough, the illustrations prove to be just as much of a draw as the words.  From cover to cover, this book is delightfully illustrated using mixed media to add visual interest to each page and connect with the pieces.

FALLING HARD: 100 LOVE POEMS BY TEENAGERS

Franco, Betsy, ed., 2008. Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers. Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.  ISBN: 9780763634377.

The poetry compilation, Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers, by Betsy Franco explores the wide range of emotion associated with teens and love.  Each poem is written by a teenager and explores the complex and confusing nature of such a strong emotion.  Through the 100 poems in the collection, the reader peers into the very soul of the writer of each piece…the elation, the heartbreak, and the obsession.  Perhaps there is no better description or introduction to the piece than the short, yet profound, “Love is Like” by Hector Jasso.  This piece could help students to spark a conversation about the nature of love in the life teens.  Teens could share their own thoughts on love by writing on post-it notes, having the teacher collect them (for anonymity to other students) and post and discuss on the board. 

Love is Like

by Hector Jasso

Love is like

the sweetness of honey

falling from a bee hive.

You have to be careful

not to get stung.

This book is most suitable for older students but will connect with those students once they see the raw truth conveyed in ach of the pieces.  These pieces provide great examples of different types of poetry and poetic elements. Students could employ these devices and write their own piece of love poetry.