Customer Reviews

Book of Americans (An Owlet Book)

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From the author of John Brown's Body, Stephen Vincent Bene't, with the help of Rosemary Bene't have compiled a beautiful book of poetry. All of the poems are about Famous americans. Before each poem in the book is the year the American was born and the year the american died. Truly great poems about Americans like Christopher Columbus, Nancy Hanks, and poor James Buchanan. He didn't know what to do! I understan that this book is no longer made in hardcover, just papercover, I hope the publisher will always have it available, as I would like to purchase a copy for my librarian.

Although this older book's black and white drawings may not be the most attractive students encounter, the use of poems to describe people and events is an interesting and unique way to teach US history. English language learners may particularly enjoy the way a poem plays with the sound, rhythm, and images of language. The book spans a wide range of time and people. In just a minute or two, a poem may be able to engage students through the rhyme, rhythm, and images.

Wonderful, clever poems about some of the more well-known--and not so well-known--figures in history. The rhymes are never forced, but manage to encompass an enormous amount of historical data and trivia. A good read.