How I Discovered Poetry
What’s inside...
A memoir in verse about the author's experience discovering poetry and her journey to become a poet. A powerful and thought-provoking Civil Rights era memoir from one of America’s most celebrated poets. Looking back on her childhood in the 1950s, Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award finalist Marilyn Nelson tells the story of her development as an artist and young woman through fifty eye-opening poems. Readers are given an intimate portrait of her growing self-awareness and artistic inspiration along with a larger view of the world around her: racial tensions, the Cold War era, and the first stirrings of the feminist movement. A first-person account of African-American history, this is a book to study, discuss, and treasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the poems in the book make you feel? Can you describe any emotions you felt while reading?
What do you think the author was trying to express in these poems? Did any messages stand out to you?
Can you relate to any of the experiences described in the poems? How so?
Why do you think poetry was important to the author as a way to tell her story?
If you could write a poem about your own life, what would you write about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading a poem together and ask your child to share their initial thoughts or favorite lines.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each poem, fostering an open and nonjudgmental conversation.
Connect themes from the poem to real-life situations your child may encounter, helping them relate to the material.
Discuss the use of language and imagery in the poems, asking your child what pictures they see in their mind as you read together.
Highlight the importance of self-expression through writing, and encourage your child to write their own poem.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-expression through poetry
Explanation: In 'How I Discovered Poetry', the author navigates her childhood and adolescence using poetry as a form of self-expression and personal exploration.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use poetry or creative writing to express their feelings and thoughts, helping them develop emotional intelligence and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book is set against the backdrop of the Cold War era in America, presenting historical context through the eyes of a young girl.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate historical events and the impact they have on personal lives, fostering a deeper interest in history and its relevance today.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: The protagonist experiences numerous moves and changes in her environment, learning to adapt and find her place in each new setting.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience and flexibility, which are crucial skills for navigating changes and challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of observational skills
Explanation: Through her poetry, the protagonist observes and reflects on her surroundings and the behavior of others, gaining insights and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to observe and reflect can enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills, helping them make sense of their world and the people in it.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diversity
Explanation: The book touches on themes of racial and cultural identity as the protagonist interacts with diverse communities.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and an appreciation for diversity, teaching them to respect and celebrate differences in others.