Children books combine novel narrative, poetry
Grade-schoolers who need to read a novel quickly will enjoy these novels that also are poems. They are not only fast reads, but they are fun to read aloud and give poetic insights into their narrator’s lives. Give them a try!
‘Mountain Dog’
Author: Margarita Engle
What it’s about: When his mother is sent to jail, 11-year-old Tony goes to live with his forest ranger great-uncle in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where he experiences unconditional love for the first time through his friendship with a rescue dog.
What we think: The poems alternate between what Tony is thinking/feeling and what Gabe the dog is thinking, giving us two views of the same experiences. Both characters are compelling, and their relationship is what makes the poetry sing!
‘Full Cicada Moon’
Author: Marilyn Hilton
What it’s about: In 1969, 12-year-old Mimi and her family move to Vermont, where Mimi’s mixed-race background and interest in topics like astronomy make her feel like an outsider.
What we think: This historical fiction/poetry book not only gives insight into racism and sexism in the late 1960s, but it also will encourage all who read it to follow their dreams, even if you have to start with little steps. Mimi is a wonderful character, and her adaptations to changes in one year are inspiring!
MORE: Find past Library Picks for kids and adults.
‘Eva of the Farm’
Author: Dia Calhoun
What it’s about: 12-year-old Eva writes beautiful poems on the farm in Washington State that her family has owned for generations, but when money runs out and her baby brother gets sick, the way of life she loves is threatened.
What we think: The book is written in non-rhyming verse, with Eva’s poems sprinkled throughout, and it all flows very naturally. Eva’s emotions are captured very well in the poems she writes, especially when she’s frustrated or feeling particularly imaginative.
‘Love that Dog’
Author: Sharon Creech
What it’s about: Jack comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him and surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem about his dog, Sky.
What we think: This book is for everyone who has ever resisted reading or writing poetry. Jack resists too but deals with the loss of his dog in the many free-verse poems that he writes.
Marya Hunsinger has worked at Salem Public Library for 20 years. Reach her at (503) 588-6315 or mhunsinger@cityofsalem.net
Did you know
During May, Salem Public Library’s Children’s Area has a special display of books about trees — a favorite topic of poetry!
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