Someone I Like: Poems About People
What’s inside...
This anthology of poems, compiled by poet Judith Nicholls, explores various human relationships through works by poets like Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, and others. The poems address themes such as sibling rivalry, friendship disputes, and relationships with grandparents and imaginary playmates. Illustrated with Giovanni Manna's china ink and watercolor paintings, the collection presents humor and poignancy in a way that is accessible to readers of all ages.
Discussion points
Which poem did you enjoy the most, and what did you like about it?
Can you think of someone who reminds you of a character in one of the poems? What similarities do they share?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel? Do they change how you imagine the people in the poems?
If you could write a poem about someone you know, who would it be about and what would you say?
What have you learned about different people and their lives from reading these poems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each poem, ask your child to predict what they think it might be about based on the title.
Discuss the emotions and themes of each poem after reading. Encourage your child to express how they feel about the people described in the poems.
Relate characters or situations in the poem to real-life examples that your child might find familiar, enhancing personal connections to the material.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of one of the people described in the poems, focusing on how they imagine them based on the descriptive words used.
After finishing the book, ask your child to pick their favorite poem and explain why it stands out to them, fostering critical thinking and personal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through poems dedicated to a diverse array of individuals, children learn to see the world through others’ eyes, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can better relate to their peers' feelings and perspectives, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: The book celebrates various cultures, ages, and personalities, teaching children to appreciate and embrace differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet in school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Through engaging with poetry, children learn to express themselves in unique and creative ways.
Real-World Application: This can enhance their communication skills and encourage them to explore various forms of self-expression, such as writing, art, or performance.
Example Lesson: Understanding Relationships
Explanation: The poems reflect different relationships, from family to friends, guiding children in understanding social dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children learn to navigate their own relationships more effectively, understanding roles, boundaries, and the value of connections.
Example Lesson: Reflection and Insight
Explanation: Poems offer perspectives on everyday experiences, promoting reflection and deeper understanding of one's own life.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop critical thinking skills and a thoughtful approach to personal experiences and challenges.