Falling Down the Page: A Book of List Poems [Hardcover]

Georgia Heard (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 17, 2009 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

TRY THIS AT HOME. Poems to inspire young readers.

From Eileen Spinelli’s many goodbyes to summer at the shore, to Avis Harley’s catalog of ways to say hello across the globe, to a close look at the birds and animals outside Valiska Gregory’s window in winter…Georgia Heard has collected list poems from contemporary poets. Each list is gathered with a poet’s eye – carefully selected details beautifully presented – so that readers see the extraordinary in the ordinary. And so readers are encouraged to be writers. The simplicity of each poem and Georgia Heard’s introduction will inspire young poets to write their own.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The table of contents creates the first list here, naming the 45 list poems appearing in this slender volume. Then come the poems themselves, which celebrate children’s everyday experiences during the school year. The poems vary from simple lists to descriptive ones to those combining with other forms, such as concrete poetry. Well designed to display lists, the narrow pages are bound at the top edge, creating a long vertical space on each page or double-page spread. There are no illustrations, and none are needed. The placement of each large-type title creates a different look for each selection. The anthology includes verse by contemporary children’s poets such as Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Jane Yolen, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Naomi Shihab Nye. Since list poems are a frequent starting place for classroom poetry-writing projects, teachers will welcome this fine anthology. Grades 3-6. --Carolyn Phelan

Review

“Accessibility is one of the book’s greatest strengths, since the compact verses focus on familiar aspects of daily kid life.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“The poems will spark imagination.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Teachers will welcome this fine anthology.” —Booklist

“Truly wonderful.” —Katie’s Literature Lounge

“A winner.” —School Library Journal

“A thoroughly entertaining and distinctive collection.” —BookPage

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (March 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596432209
• ISBN-13: 978-1596432208
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 10.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #282,056 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has an forty-five fantastic list poems that will razzle dazzle the reader!, October 4, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Falling Down the Page: A Book of List Poems (Hardcover)

This book is set up like a reporter's notebook and forty-five poems and an amazing array of poets razzle dazzle their way down the pages. Poets include: Eileen Spinelli, Avis Harley, Rebecca Kai Dotlick, Jan Yolen, Terry Webb Harshman, Marilyn Singer, Allan Wolf, Kristine O'Connell George, Elaine Magliaro, Georgia Heard, Lee Bennett Hopkins, Naomi Shihab Nye, Avis Harley, Heidi Roemer, Kathi Appelt, J. Patrick Lewis, Marilyn Singer, Bobbi Katz, Patricia Hubbell, Valiska Gregory, George Ella Lyon, David Harrison, Sara Holbrook, Heidi Stemple, Lara Anderson, Avis Harley and Liz Rosenberg.

Why Poetry?

By Lee Bennet Hopkins

Why poetry?
Why?

Why sunset?
Why trees?

Why birds?
Why seas?

Why you?
Why me?

Why friends?
Why families?

Why laugh?
Why cry?

Why hello?
Why good-bye?

Why poetry?

That's why!

"List" poems are a lot of fun to make because you don't need any rhyme or rhythm. If you are thinking of a classroom project, this is the perfect book to take a look at. There is a beginning and end to each poem and a definite purpose. If you want your classroom to rock and roll with laughter and fun, just read some of these list poems to them, give a bit of instruction and let the creation begin. This would be an excellent project to undertake in your language arts section in a homeschool or classroom setting.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Visual Delight, March 26, 2009

By 

Mystery Book Lover "Gloria" (Beaver Falls, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Falling Down the Page: A Book of List Poems (Hardcover)

I ordered two copies of this book - one for myself and one for my son who is a poet. Not only are the poems delightful, but the way they are presented visually makes it fun to read.