Language and Literature

BIBLIOGRAPHY : Reynolds, J. (2019). Long way down . New York, NY: Antheneum. ISBN:9781481438261 SUMMARY: Long Way Down is a mystical realist novel for young adults by American author Jason Reynolds. Focused on the subject of gun violence, particularly the survivor’s journey from grief and trauma to catharsis and spiritual recuperation, it is told by teenager Will Holloman, who takes a surreal elevator descent through his apartment building on his way to avenge his brother’s death in a gang shooting. ANALYSIS : The book Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a unique free verse poetry book. Long Way Down has one main setting in this story, an elevator. In this elevator, Will, the main character, is greeted by ghosts who knew his older brother Shawn. As Will ventures out to obtain justice for Shawn’s death, the spirits try to subliminally stop him from taking a life, just for revenge. Reynolds utilizes the format and details in the story to have different perspectives in one particula

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Nye, Naomi Shihab. Salting the Ocean; 100 Poems by Young Poets .  Illus. by Ashley Bryan.  Greenwillow, 2000. ISBN 978-0688161934. SUMMARY: Naomi Shihab Nye's extensive work with students and their writing in the classroom led to this wonderful collection of poems from the past 25 years. Nye chose 100 poems from students that she worked with, ranging from grades 1-12. In her introduction, "To the Poets," Nye gives this encouragement: "You are making a map of the days you live." ANALYSIS : The poetry represents a range of life experiences mostly written in free verse.  Some of the poems are readily understandable while others take a little more contemplation to capture the author's message. The poetry is personal and genuine, ranging in length from two lines to filling two full pages.  There are many heartfelt and emotional scenes as in the poetry of Jennifer Caraway as she remembers the life of her cat. Other poems reflect humor as in Amy

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Janeczko, Paul B. (Selected by). 2014. FIREFLY JULY: A YEAR OF VERY SHORT POEMS. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. ISBN 9780763648428. SUMMARY: It only takes a few words, if they’re the right words, to create a strong image. Whether listened to in the comfort of a cozy lap or read independently, the thirty-six very short poems in this collection remind readers young and old that a few perfect words and pictures can make the world glow. Selected by acclaimed poet Paul B. Janeczko and gorgeously illustrated by Melissa Sweet, Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems invites children to sample poems throughout the four seasons . ANALYSIS: Several classic favorite poets are included, such as William Carlos Williams, with THE RED WHEELBARROW, Robert Frost, and Emily Dickenson. Janeczko also chose many popular poets of today in this compilation, such as April Halprin Wayland, J. Patrick Lewis, Joyce Sidman, and many more. Each seasonal segment of