Cathie Felstead

A beautiful conceived new type of poetry or science book: It doesn't really fit into a category! Different forms of poetry are used on each page to present lessons in geology. For instance, plate tectonics is presented under the title of: Instructions for the Earth's Dishwasher (really a kind of letter), while metamorphosis is presented in the metaphor of a layer cake baking.

The illustrations were created using a mixed medium of torn paper and paint.

Older students will appreciate the sly show more humor of mixing the poetry format with science, while younger students will love the bright pictures and play on words. This is something for everyone, but a must-have addition to any 3rd grade or older classroom/home-library. show less

This is a creative collection of poems that contains many scientific terms. It includes meteors, continental plates, quartz, and more. It would be neat to include poems in other subjects. For instance, one of these poems could be used to introduce a new topic in science class. I never thought of poetry being used with other subjects but it sounds fun. I like that the author includes endnotes that tell a bit about the topic of each poem. From the quartz poem, the endnote mentions that quartz show more is the most common mineral on earth. The author is obsessed with geology. That is very cool! show less

Earthshake: Poems from the Ground Up are varying forms of poems that are all about geology. Written by Lisa Westberg Peters, these twenty-two poems are unique and informative. Westberg Peters writing style blends academic terms with figurative language, helping bring understanding to complex geological processes. Equally impressive are the full page, collage illustrations. Readers will be drawn to the images and how they provide more explanation to the verses. Also, the end notes give more show more detail and scientific explanation to the poems written. This poetry book has cross curricular appeal and could easily link to science content. Overall, these poems will leave readers thinking about the Earth.

Age Appropriate: 10 to 14 years-old
These poems would make a great addition to any older-age class studying Earth Science. Due to the absence of rhyme and the science content, this poetry book would not be suitable for younger age children. show less

This poetry book is creative and fun. I like the poem, "Pumice Stone Seeks Work": 'Lava rock seeks employment as bath aide. Willing to scrape dead skin from elbows and heels once a week in exchange for quiet, volcano-free life.' Pictures are a colorful use of collage and watercolor.