Poetry for Young People by Maya Angelou

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Angelou, Maya. 2007. POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. ill. Jerome Lagarrigue. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. ISBN 9781402720239

SUMMARY:

This inspiring compilation of Dr. Maya Angelou's work includes twenty-five of her thought provoking poems.  Each captures the reader's emotions from cheerful and spirited to superior poems that will invoke pride.

Series:  "Poetry For Young People"

QUALITY & APPEAL:
Age Range:  8 and up
Grade Level:  3rd and up
Great discussions are inspired by each of the twenty-five poems found in this beautifully illustrated picture book.  Students will be able to examine how imagery can be use to represent many poetry elements as well as themes, ideas and the voices from history.  Various types of connections can be made with each poem and share with others for deeper connections than the personal text-to-self connections that students find easier to make.

Educators and readers will find a table of contents, index, and poem titles (headings) for easy access to specific poems found within the book's pages.  The high quality of Dr. Maya Angelou's work may be unfamiliar to today's 21st century audience.  Use the valuable poetry breaks throughout the learning day to introduce a new group of learners to her inspiring and thought provoking words that will stimulate their thoughts and emotions.

SPOTLIGHT POEM:  (Excerpt from pages 34-35)

CAGED BIRD

by Maya Angelou

...But a caged bird stands on the graves of dreams

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings

with a fearful trill

of things unknown

but longed for still

and his tune is heard

on the distant hill

for the caged bird

sings of freedom.

CONNECTION:

This poem would be a perfect addition to the Harriet Tubman:  What Was Her Greatest Achievement? Data-Based-Questioning Mini-Q.  During discussions about Harriet Tubman risking her life to be a conductor and assist other escaped slaves reach freedom, this poem could be read slowly to enrich the discussion with thought provoking imagery.  The poem can be revisited at the end of the Mini-Q for additional connections as students prepare to write their essay conveying their thoughts and opinions of what her greatest achievement was. 

Students work in groups to create their own poem expressing the thoughts and feelings they have about Harriet Tubman and her miraculous success in escaping slavery, but also her brave and selfless years she helped others reach freedom and start new lives outside of the "cage". Students will share their poems with the whole group and add them to their final essay.