2.17.2008

I, too, Sing America!

If you haven't heard this poem, I suggest checking out the book of poetry by the same name. This line, I, Too, Sing America, is a poem by Langston Hughes. The poem is an emotional poem about the African-American experience. But the book by the same name is a collection of poems written by some of the greatest African-American poets and authors of our country's time. It's a book of poems you would have fun reading aloud to yourself. The rhythms and the colors and the emotions will send shivers down your spine. So will the illustrations that accompany the poems.

It's important to honor Black History Month in our classrooms, and one of the best ways I know how is to showcase books written by and about the African American experience.

Here is the link to I, Too, Sing America

Authors who Inspire Me (especially during Black History Month)

Sharon Draper (author of Cooper Sun, Forged by Fire, November Blues, and many more!)

Maya Angelou
(author of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings)


Christopher Paul Curtis (author of Bud Not Buddy)

Walter Dean Myers (author of Monster)

Tupac Shakur (especially The Rose that Grew from Concrete--our custodian Claude told me about this book...it's really powerful)

Read one or two or all of these authors soon. You'll be a different person at the end of some of these books; they are that gripping, and they are robust.

So, during Black History month...here's to all the mighty African-American writers who have deserve to be celebrated and read in every classroom, it every school, by every teacher, child, and parent.

Share your thoughts!
And keep reading!
Stenson


P.S. While finding websites to link to this page (you can click on the authors names to find more information), I found this Sharon Draper quote from Copper Sun: "Freedom is a delicate idea--like a pretty leaf in the air--it's hard to catch, and may not be what you thought when you get it." That's poetry.

2.07.2008

Oops.

Wow! It's been close to a month since I've posted a new question. I'm sorry to neglect the Reading Blog! I'm back.

The reason I haven't been blogging has a lot to do with Oct. 18, 2008. The day I get to marry the Tall Guy! Admittedly, I've been distracted...but it's been a fun few weeks celebrating our wedding plans.
Anyway, with love on my mind and Valentine's Day around the corner, what do you say we blog about love and books?!?!


Love shows up in books in all sorts of ways. I think To Kill a Mockingbird is a a story about a love affair. Farewell to Arms is one of the most romantic books I've read. When in the mood to read about love and all its glorious power, I often turn to poetry. One of the best "love stories" I've ever read is Maddy and Me-- a story of a man, his family, and their very naughty puppy. In the past year, I've read The Abundance of Katherines--a funny, wonderful story of friendship and love. The Book Thief, a mighty book about heart-break, changed my life and my heart.

It's hard to pinpoint the best love story ever told. Love is hard to pin down, but what is the best love story you've ever read? Or what love story are you excited to read? Tell me your thoughts and ideas.

For the love of reading, and for love alone-
Stenson