Pass It on: African-American Poetry for Children

This book give poetry about African-American Poetry with illustrations to go with each poem. ( )

This book is a collection of poems by African American authors. The art in this book is very nice and very detailed. I enjoyed looking at the pictures.
"To Catch a Fish" is about a little boy trying to catch a fish. It explains that you must be patient to catch a fish. The little boy just wants to hurry up and catch a fish, but that is simply not the way that things are done in fishing.
"Wait Little Joe" is about a little boy who is small but wants to the things that the big kids are doing. The big kids keep telling him that he is only 4 years old and he needs to be bigger to join in on what they are doing. Poor little Joe does not want to wait.

I did not like all the poems in this book. They did not rhyme and I had a hard time keeping my attention focused on the poems. I had to read each poem at least 2-3 times before I could even understand what I had just read.

Classroom Activity #1: This book would be used during black history month. Each day I would read a new poem to the calss. I would not show them the pictures. I would let them use their imagination and draw their own pictures to interpet the poem.

Classroom Activity #2: The students would be asked to pick their favorite poem from the book and write a paragraph over what made that poem their favorite.

Each poem is for African-American children. The topics of each poem is something that will interest African-American children. ( )

Summary:
This book is a collection of poems written by a variety of authors, who focuses on the African American culture. The book consist of storytelling, music, history, and traditions that are passed from one generation to another. One poem titled "I Can" is a poem about a black child, who dreams of becoming the President of the United States one day. The poem encourages not just African Americans but all children to pursue their dreams whelther they are big or small. Another poem titled "Listen Children" encourages African American children not to be ashamed of the color of their skin, no matter how they were or are
treated. Also, it encourages the children to always love one another no matter what.

Personal Reaction:
This is a wonderful book! The book symbolizes the African American culture in a beauiful way. This book makes me think about the past, and how much we have grown in modern society. I am so thankful for those who stood up for our freedom and rights.

Classroom Extension:
1. I would have the class write their own personal "I have a dream" poem.
2. I would have each student draw a picture that relates to their favorite poem from the book. ( )

Pass It On, is a collection of African American Poetry for children, written by African American poets such as Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni & Nikki Grimes. From children playing hopscotch, enjoying chocolate, to catching fish, children will enjoy listening and seeing the colorful illustrations There is also an inspiring poem about Harriet Tubman. Can be used in the classroom to express emotions of -happiness, sadness, and joy. Children can make poems expressing their emotions and draw pictures to go along with them. ( )