A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart
What’s inside...
In this poem, a Black child navigates his changing emotions over the course of a year. Initially filled with joy during summertime activities like skateboarding and basketball, his emotions take a dark turn when his community is impacted by a police shooting. As the seasons change from fall to winter and then spring, his feelings evolve from fear to anger, and ultimately to pride and peace. Illustrator Noa Denmon, in her debut, captures the complex emotional journey of the child following the police shooting, depicting grief, protests, healing, and community through expressive colors. This book is a Caldecott Honor recipient.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Unnamed Black Boy
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels when they find a place inside them to store all their emotions?
Can you describe a time when you felt a strong emotion and what you did with that feeling?
Why is it important to have a place inside you where you can heal your heart?
What are some ways you can help a friend who is feeling sad or upset?
What did you learn from the story that you might use the next time you feel overwhelmed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a calm and comfortable setting for the discussion, perhaps after reading the story at bedtime. Encourage your child to express their emotions freely, validating their feelings as they relate them to the story's themes. Use examples from your own experiences to guide them in understanding and managing their emotions. Lastly, remind them that it's okay to have strong feelings and that there are healthy ways to process them, similar to the protagonist in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The protagonist of the story navigates through various emotions, helping young readers understand that it is normal to experience a wide range of feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their own emotions more effectively, which is crucial for emotional development and forming healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the main character expresses his emotions, the narrative encourages readers to empathize with his experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing empathy towards friends and family members who are experiencing different emotions, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book portrays the journey of overcoming emotional pain and finding a place of peace and healing.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience and coping with difficulties in a positive way, which they can use when facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: Through poetry, the character expresses his inner world, showcasing the importance of art as a form of expression.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use creative outlets such as writing, drawing, or speaking to express themselves, which is important for mental health and personal development.
Example Lesson: Community and solidarity
Explanation: The narrative highlights the role of community in healing and support, showing the protagonist surrounded by caring individuals.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of being part of a community and contributing to collective well-being, emphasizing the strength found in unity.