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Over many years as a working poet, Michael Rosen has thought a great deal about what poems are, what they can do and the pleasure that comes from writing and reading poetry. In this invaluable handbook, he shares this knowledge and experience in book form for the very first time. Starting with a detailed analysis of a number of classic poems, he offers a real writer's guide to writing and performing poems, as well as a wealth of technical information and tips. He then takes a fascinating look at a selection of his own poems and explains how and why he wrote them. Complete with an appendix of poets and useful websites, and beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Jill Calder, this is the only guide to poetry children and teachers will ever need.… (more)
User reviews
It does seem aimed at students well below the high school level.
Rosen demonstrates how poets use secret strings of rhythm, imagery, and repetition, to link parts of a poem. He encourages his readers to be poem detectives and assures them that these strings are unique to each reader--there are no right or wrong analyses.
I wish we had had this encouraging book as a resource when my 9-year old daughter was struggling with a poetry unit. I will be saving my review copy for my grandchildren.
Overall, Rosen is successful in making poetry approachable and giving aspiring poets ideas for practicing their craft. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on Rosen's thoughts while he was writing his poems as well as the ones on starting and writing poetry. Additionally, saving the technical chapter, which includes poetic terms such as metaphor, simile, and allusion, is a thoughtful choice, since it invites readers and writers to engage with reading and writing poetry before thinking consciously about the technical part of poetry.
The one aspect of the book that I wish were different concerns the selection of classic poems used. Although these poems are well written, I'm not certain that all of them will capture and hold the attention of the intended audience (upper elementary and middle school students). Some, such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "How Doth the Little Crocodile," seem very well suited to the intended age group, and Rosen's own works are, unsurprisingly, perfect for children. However, other choices, most notably "My Last Duchess" and "Ozymandias," seem puzzling to include.
Overall, this book has a lot of merit for children who are interested in poetry and for teachers who are looking for ways to introduce different aspects of poetry to their students. Specifically, the sections on starting and writing poetry are perfect for kids and adults who want to write poetry but aren't certain where to start.
The format is well thought out. I especially appreciate the first section, "What Is Poetry?," which is divided into a number of sub-sections dedicated to individual poetic devices, with examples from the poetic canon. In a brief and engaging manner, this book covered much of what I remember about poem explication from my high school English studies.
Rosen doesn't stop at analyzing existing poems, however: he moves deftly from ways to engage with poets of the past to describing some personal reflections on writing poetry himself. Then come "Ways to Start a Poem" and "Writing Poems," which encourage to reader to experiment with writing poetry for themselves.
The final chapter repeats the question from the title of chapter 1: "What Is Poetry?" but this time blank, lined pages are provided for the reader to process the book's information and postulate new definitions on their own.
This book is very visually engaging-- almost surprisingly so, given that there are no color pictures. The use of different fonts, highlighting, and footnotes throughout the provided examples ensure that anyone approaching the book will be able to understand the material being presented. In addition, clever line drawings support the text, while blank space gives room for contemplation.
Recommended!
The book itself is divided between matters of interpretation of a poem which take up the first seventy pages of the book and then it moves into the area of performing and writing poems along with analysis of the different ways in which poems are constructed.
Interpretation of poetry is taken from a subjective viewpoint with a focus on how poetry makes us feel, but it also focuses on how poetry can make us think as well.
Michael Rosen, the author, does an excellent job of supporting each chapter of his book with a wide variety of poems providing an easy to understand example of the point under discussion.
I’d highly recommend this book as an introduction to poetry that is accessible and fun.