Wolf, Allan. 2006. IMMERSED IN VERSE: AN INFORMATIVE, SLIGHTLY IRREVERENT & TOTALLY TREMENDOUS GUIDE TO LIVING THE POET’S LIFE. Ill. by Tuesday Mourning. New York: Lark. ISBN 9781579906283 [Suggested Grade Levels 8-12]
REVIEW
Encouraging teens to write poetry is not necessarily a daunting task, but persuading them to appreciate the poetry within is another story. Wolf’s book will be quite helpful in this endeavor. Easy text speaks directly to teens without being condescending, and provides specific illustrated examples of how to be a habitual, successful writer of verse. Much of what Wolf proposes about “plunging into words” and there’s “always something to write about,” will be motivating to writers in general. Yet, the majority of the text relates specifically to poetry – poetic devices, anatomy of a poem, reading poetry – in hopes of leading young writers to conclude that arranging their thoughts into poetic forms is important and worthy.
To further relieve any poetic anxiety, Mourning’s sophisticated cartoons enhance the text, and often provide some comic relief. The type setting, placement of text, and splashes of muted colors throughout make this book an enticing choice for teens who might otherwise be intimidated to select a book about poetry.
CONNECTIONS
Throughout the reading of this book, readers will naturally be tempted to dabble (or delve) into writing their own poetry. As intended by the author, freedom to explore all aspects of poetry-- reading, writing, reciting -- should be encouraged. Readers may want to organize a theme-related poetry festival to spotlight their new-found talents.
RELATED BOOKS
Kowit, Steve. IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND: THE POET’S PORTABLE WORKSHOP. ISBN 0884481492
Tom, Karen. ANGST: TEEN VERSES FROM THE EDGE. ISBN 0761123830
Wooldridge, Susan Goldsmith. POEMCRAZY: FREEING YOUR LIFE WITH WORDS. ISBN 0609800981
By Rebecca McKee
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