Friday, June 1, 2012

June's Libro del Mes: The Wild Book


The Wild Book
by Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet whose works have earned her the distinction of being a multiple literary award winner. Her novels The Surrender Tree and The Poet Slave of Cuba have made her a Pura Belpré Author Award Winner, an Américas Award Winner, and a Newberry Honor-Winning Author - just to name a few! 

But I had not had the opportunity yet to read one of her magnificent books. 

Until now.

A few months ago, I wrote to Ms. Engle and requested a copy of her latest release, The Wild Book. I was intrigued after watching a short video of her reading a passage. She was so nice and put me in touch with the publisher, who sent a copy right away.

Inspired by the childhood of Engle's own grandmother, this beautiful tale chronicles "Fefa's" struggle with dyslexia. The novel is written in verse with short poems that share important moments of Fefa's life. I read this book to my children at bedtime over several nights. I don't know why, but I always wonder if they are understanding what is being described when we read poetic works. But they asked not a single question, and quite readily repeated back to me what had transpired the last time we read. Even now, weeks later, my daughter remembers details that I don't.

Perhaps this is because the poems contain such vivid imagery. Engle is a master at crafting words into stories. At creating lives to which the reader can relate. My kids quietly reveled in each word and image. Take this poem:

The Poetry Duel

To please my mother,
the poems are Rubé Dario's
verses about swans
and flying horses,
and a strange one about
mental earthquakes,
and an angry poem
for world leaders
who try to bully
the future
with bullets.

There is a drumbeat
verse about loving
your own rhythm

and the encouraging one
about God's towers
of hope

and a joyful little verse
about eggs in a warm nest
in a warm tree.

There is even a poem
that helps me feel normal,
a comforting verse
about feeling blinded
by daydreams.

When Mamá stands up
and recites a LOUD verse-
just like a man -
she chooses the one
about gold seashells
that look like hearts.

That is how I know
that she must be dreaming
of the peaceful beach
where we camp
only once
each summer
even though we live
so close
to the rolling blue sea
that there is nothing
to stop us
from living like mermaids.

We could be discovering
undersea treasures
each day,
gold shells that resemble
wave-washed
hearts.

Teachers and parents, I would strongly recommend this book as a read-aloud for children ages 6 and up. It would go nicely with studies on culture, poetry, special needs, dyslexia, family, learning to read, and much, much more.

This book has left me eager to read more of Engle's novels. And I can certainly understand why she has received so many awards in recognition of her work.

If you would like to buy your own copy of The Wild Book, we have both new and gently used copies available here. Or you can follow the link in our sidebar to the LBBC’s on-line store.

---
Disclosure: I requested a review copy of this book, and the publisher sent me one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

6 comments:

Yainire said...

Hola!
Mi nombre es Yainire Elorza y soy redactora de www.losmaspequenosyseguridadvial.com y www.ninosyseguridadvial.com , dos webs de educación vial para niños de 3 a 5 años y de 6 a 11 años respectivamente, promovidas por el Instituto de Seguridad Vial de Fundación MAPFRE.

Te escribo porque me gustaría presentarte a JotaJota un niño de 5 años que está como loco por aprender seguridad vial. Este personaje de Disney junto a su Papa enseñan a los más peques, a través de distintos episodios el funcionamiento de las sirenas, cuándo hay que cruzar o cómo se monta en bici... Todo esto se puede ver en www.losmaspequenosyseguridadvial.com , al igual que se pueden descargar material sobre seguridad vial para colorear y jugar con JotaJota a distintos juegos en el ordenador. Además en la web www.ninosyseguridadvial.com pueden encontrar juegos y publicaciones para niños de entre 6 y 11 años.
Además te recomiendo nuestro Facebook de profesores www.facebook.com/profesoresyseguridadvial y el twitter @profesysegvial

Te animo a ti y a tus seguidores a que visitéis la web, esperando que os guste y que sea un buen instrumento para introducir de una forma lúdica a los más pequeños en la seguridad
vial. Todos los contenidos se crean teniendo en cuenta las competencias y conceptos a desarrollar en cada etapa educativa o edad teniendo en cuenta los currículos escolares.

Si necesitas ampliar la información no dudes en ponerte en contacto con nosotros info@losmaspequenosyseguridadvial.com

ELIANA TARDIO said...

beautiful! I really admire and love authors of kids books, because they feed our kid´s minds with love and knowledge.

Comiendo en LA said...

Qué lindo leerlo. Me encantaría poder seguir leyendo más sobre este libro.

Unknown Mami said...

I am very intrigued! I love what you shared.

Bren @ Flanboyant Eats™ said...

oh i love this! I've been on the search for more Cuban and Cuban-American authors and poets! You know, getting ready to think about kids and forming my library! I'd looove this! Thanks for sharing.

Hal Martin said...

This is wonderful . . . fantastico!!


http://www.amazon.com/Laura-Lacamara/e/B003ZGGZTG


-- H A L ☮ ♥

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