Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry [Paperback]

X. J. Kennedy (Author), Dorothy M. Kennedy (Author), Karen Lee Baker (Illustrator)

Book Description

Grade Level: 5 and up

The classic anthology of poetry for children--now revised with new poems to enchant a new generation.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-7-With a greatly expanded collection of poems and new black-and-white pencil sketches, this revision (Little, Brown, 1985) will appeal to a whole new generation of readers. Its approach to the genre will show children that poetry can be lighthearted, humorous, and fun. The anthologists start by asking, "What Do Poems Do?" The selections that follow are then organized in groups of those that can, "Make You Smile," "Start You Wondering," or "Help You Understand People." "What's Inside a Poem?" includes "Images," "Word Music," and "Word Play," and the chapter on "Special Kinds of Poetry" contains "Limericks," "Songs," and "Haiku." Comments introduce each section and are offered throughout the book. While plenty of the biggies in poetry are here (e.g., Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Walt Whitman), lesser-known poets are showcased as well, including "Anonymous," who, after Shakespeare, "may be the second best poet in our language." An afterword provides suggestions for adults using poetry with groups. Whether read aloud or silently, this anthology has great child appeal.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Revised edition (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316488003
• ISBN-13: 978-0316488006
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Literary Criticism & Collections
  • #86 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry

More About the Author

DOROTHY M. KENNEDY is a writer and editor whose articles and reviews have appeared in both professional and academic journals. She has taught composition at the University of Michigan and Ohio University and, with X.J. Kennedy, is the recipient of the NCTE Teacher's Choice Award for Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection!, March 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry (Paperback)

As a teacher- I found this book to an incredible assest to have in the clasroom. This is a very exemplary eclectic collection. It contains a wide variety of poem forms, styles, and authors. Usefully organized into category chapters, it easy to find a poem relating to a topic. The book is organized into useful sections that have equally as useful subcategories. These divisions make it easy to use these poems during a unit on poetry. The wide variety of types of poems in the book also is useful to assimilate these poems into the curriculum, either as a transitional piece or within a topic discussion. The students LOVE hearing these poems!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Introducing children to poetry, January 28, 2007

By 

Vickie Davis "Vickie" (Willamette Valley) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry (Paperback)

This anthology is a terrific mix of styles, subjects, and moods. Most of them I would not necessarily call "children's poetry" in that they are not obviously written by an adult trying to be clever in the way that a child would find clever. Instead, they are genuine expressions of truth, both the day-to-day variety and the larger truths we all understand, even before we're able to articulate our experiences. Robert Frost's "Canis Major," Gwendolyn Brooks' "Narcissa," and "The Eagle," by Tennyson are some of my favorites. There as also some wonderful rhythmic poems that are especially pleasurable for the pulse and the sounds of the words: Eve Merriman's "Windshield Wiper," and "The Pickety Fence" by David McCord are great fun.
This is a must-have anthology for elementary teachers, parents, or anyone who loves the sound and feel of poetry.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars grouping poems to explain more about poetry, February 6, 2003

By 

B. Schmidt "meadows2" (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry (Paperback)

Kennedy informs students about the purposes for poetry by the categories he's formed. The selections are appropriate for elementary school children and is an instructive collection for serious poetry reading for kids 7-13.

Kennedy's collection is accessible, informative and a pleasure to read and mull over.