Nineteen Varieties of Gazelle by Naomi Shibab Nye

Three hours after the buildings feel, he took a seat beside me.

A collection of poems about being an Arab American, the Middle East and family. The collection was inspired by the events of September 11, 2001.

I am the least qualified person to talk about poetry. I have spent very little time reading any poetry except Robert Frost. And I only read his works because he was assigned as "my poet" in fifth grade to report on. I admire poets because they are deliberate in choosing words and evoke visions and emotions with these few words. I have been inspired while working on this contract to read more poetry. I

I enjoyed these poems and will purchase the book to read them over again. I believe this book would be appropriate for all ages.

Nye, N. S. (2002). Nineteen varieties of gazelle. New York, NY: Green Willow Books.
ISBN: 0060097655
160 pages

The Way A Door Closes by Hope Anita Smith

A book of poems told from the perspective of C.J describing his family and the emotional upheaval caused when his father leaves temporarily. The poems are accompanied by lovely illustrations that depict the content perfectly.

The author captures the emotions felt by C.J. and his family so clearly, especially the words of hope. I am continually amazed when reading poetry. How do they get those words to come together so right?

Smith, H.A. (2003). The way a door closes. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN: 080506477X
Illustrated by Shane W Evans

Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac

Molly wakes up one morning and her parents have disappeared. Once the authorities have been alerted, she is placed in the care of an uncle she has never met. Remembering the Native American tale of the Skeleton Man her father told her, she becomes suspicious of her uncle. Molly soon realizes her suspicions are true and it is up to her to save herself and her parents. Story may be scary for young children.

A scary story!

Bruchac, J. (2003). Skeleton man. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0064408884
Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

Russian Folk-Tales by James Riordan

A collection of translated Russian folk-tales ranging from the familiar to the unknown.

This collection contains both fairy and beast tales. Interesting, woman/girls are portrayed more often as heroines and controlling their destiny and the author attributes this to the "Motherland" influence. Clearly identified as having model source notes located at the back and in endnotes. This really helped me understand the context of the stories as I am not Russian nor did I study children's literature. The text is the focus here with almost page long text and few illustrations. Repetition and cadence typically used to keep children's attention is not employed here making this more appropriate for 8-12 year old children. Illustrations are colorful and unique. I don't think I have seen anything quite like them in any of the books I have read.

I found the stories to be darker and not as interesting as other folktales. I wonder if it was my unfamiliarity with them that made the difference. Let's face it the witch fattening up Hansel and Gretel to eat is not the most heartwarming tale. And the nursery rhyme about 'when the bough breaks the baby will fall...' is disturbing now as an adult!

Riordan, J. (2000). Russian folk-tales. Oxford, England: University Press.
ISBN: 0192745360
Illustrated by Andrew Breakspeare

Babushka's Mother Goose by Patricia Polacco

A collection of stories based on the author's Russian grandmother's storytelling. Some stories seem to be retelling of Mother Goose's tales but with a Russian focus. Others appear to me to be folktales. The illustrations have a Russian/Eastern European flair.

I picked this up because the word Babushka reminded me of my grandmother. I enjoyed the rhyming and the unfamiliar words used are fun to say even if a child doesn't know what they mean. The illustrations are bright, colorful and detailed.

Polacco, P. (1995). Babushka's mother goose. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
ISBN: 0399227474
Illustrated by the author

Sweet Music in Harlem by Debbie A. Taylor

A young aspiring jazz musician hunts down his famous jazz-musician uncle's beret through Harlem for a photo shoot. He visits a barber shop, diner and nightclub in search of the beret and comes home without the beret but with a number of jazz musicians instead. The beret is found and the photo shoot goes on. The author describes the 1958 photo that inspired the story.

The illustrations captured 1958 perfectly in style and fashions of the people. Pictures full of energy and color will capture the eye of children. The story was great fun to read and I enjoyed learning about the original photo.

Taylor, D. (2004). Sweet music in harlem. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1584301651
Illustrated by Frank Morrison