After reading Inside Out and Back Again, I was very motivated to find other examples of this form - novel in verse. This was my first experience with this type of text and I was mesmerized. Inside Out is a moving story of a young girl from Vietnam who immigates to the U.S.A with her family to escape the war. The emotions she feels and her experiences are told in a vivid intellegent way which captures our attention.
In looking for more on the pages of Literature and the Child, 2015, I also came across the poetry collection Dark Emperor and other resources of short poetry verses. True pieces of beauty, I listed them here also. The emotions and experience a reader is able to find in these books is moving. I would consider the resources below for most students.
The "novel in verse" titles can be used as read aloud for newer readers or those without the exposure. Across the grades their use can be as model texts for writing or as independent reads, possibly to accompany non fiction text on the subjects.
In looking for more on the pages of Literature and the Child, 2015, I also came across the poetry collection Dark Emperor and other resources of short poetry verses. True pieces of beauty, I listed them here also. The emotions and experience a reader is able to find in these books is moving. I would consider the resources below for most students.
The "novel in verse" titles can be used as read aloud for newer readers or those without the exposure. Across the grades their use can be as model texts for writing or as independent reads, possibly to accompany non fiction text on the subjects.
A- Joyce Sidman/
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A- Margarita Engle,The Wild Book, 2012, fourth to eighth grade A free verse narrative based on the author's grandmother struggle with dyslexia and her life in Cuba during rebellious times. Narrates in verse the trials of a dyslexic young person in the early 1900's. Based on memories but embellished. The main character's feelings and thoughts are very easy to understand and the beauty of the country is described in detail. An enjoyable text to teach about Cuban history and the difficulties dyslexia causes. Two stories develop in a parallel structure. The author provides a vivid depiction of what the dyslexic reader experiences through the narrative. In the end she triumphs over dyslexia with her families and her family triumphs over the political tension. A great read on the topic of overcoming life's struggles and being happy where we are.
Use to study the dynamics of family relationships as they help a character develop. Also great for studying a country and its political climate. Another title that deserves mention is Mountain Dog, 2014 a story about a homeless boy adopted by his uncle who is a Search and Rescue Volunteer along with Gabe his dog. Told from the point of view of dog and boy, we learn about the character development of this boy from survivor as a child of a drug dealer to Search and rescue Volunteer. Thr reader is also privy to the love a dog can provide and help a human heal. A- Sharon Creech,Love That Dog, 2001, third to eighth A story told from a young man's perspective about struggling through writing assignments in school. Thanks to the teacher who supports him, he is able to complete his assignment and finally comes to terms with the death of his dog. Since the cover is so plain, the quality of the text was surprising. Told in free verse and a very excellent model. Great for young boys who do not like writing by providing them a support through the words of the narrator who is the main character. |