The Friendly Four

This is a very imaginative collection of call and response style poems that follow four children in the same neighborhood that find different ways to spend time and deal with the challenges of life. The bond that they form is very surprisingly real and the poetry is a unique expression of their culture and experience.

Characters: Drum, Dorene, Louis and Rae for friends.

Setting: Summer Vacation

Theme: Friendship, family and community

Genre: Children’s Poetry

Golden quote: "If I had to leave my mother, I would cry a thousand tears. Everyday away from her would be a thousand years. I want to help my cousins, so I'll sit real still, and then, I'll close my eyes and pray her mom will soon be well again.

Audience: 1st to 4th grade.

Summary: Four friends shared a special summer vacation where they bonded and became closer friends. Together they explored and discovered interesting and creative ways to spend the summer. They found each other in unexpected moments as they inspire each other.

Curriculum ties: Writing free verse poetry-students can learn to show more write poetry using the structure from the book. Students can pick themes like friendship, family, community and sports to write poetry.

Personal response: I really enjoyed this book because it is very relatable for both boys and girls because it talks about topics that are for both boys and girls. It is very vivid and full of colorful illustrations that are appealing for all children. show less

This books is an imaginative collection of call and response style poems that follow four children in the same neighborhood that find different ways to spend time and deal with the challenges of life. The bond that they form is incredible relatable to children of all ages, and the poetry is a unique expression of their cultures and experiences. This book allows children to develop socially because it promotes understanding people from a different viewpoint. This book is good for ages 6-9.
Found in the Pierce County Library.

Oh my goodness. Utterly charming. A 'novel in verse' the I recommend for all kids age 5-7, and for their families, too. What power in a few pages of easy vocabulary words.

free to read online at openlibrary.org

I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the diversity of the children in this book. The chidlren are all from different backgrounds.This book is the story of four kids who meet each other over the summer time. One of the kids is a native to the hometown. He thinks that his summer will not be good because he was lonely. One of the children came to live with a foster parent. Another child came to visit their grandma. Another one had just moved in. This book shows how different children can be. I think this book showcases good friendship and shows that things can get better even if you think they wont.

This is book sets the stage well as summer starts and poor Drummer is all alone with nobody to play with in the neighborhood. everybody has taken off for one reason or another and he can't wait for school to start again o have friends to play with. Then seemingly out of nowhere, three kids end up showing up and the fur become great friends and do the summer is no longer a bummer. Genre, contemporary realistic fiction

four friends explore the world they live in