Book of the Month: Out of Wonder

Since my use of Kwame Alexander's picture book and it's companion DVD of Out of Wonder was received so well at the Power of the Pizza Poetry Party, I decided it is well deserved of a Book of the Month review.

Summary: Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration, inviting the viewer to listen, wonder, and perhaps even pick up a pen.

Ages: 8-12 years

How to Write a Poem

Celebrating Naomi Shihab Nye

Hush.

Grab a pencil

some paper

spunk.

Let loose your heart—

raise your voice.

What if I have many voices?

Let them dance together

twist and turn

like best friends

in a maze

till you find

your way

to that one true word

(or two).

--Kwame Alexander

Out of Wonder is a wonderful poetry anthology that celebrates famous authors and their style of poetry. This is a perfect introduction to poetry and the poets who have a beautiful way with words. These poems can be read out loud or enjoyed privately and touch the heart and soul of those who read them. The illustrations are inspiring in themselves and every element of this book is paired perfectly together. I would also recommend the audio version and especially the DVD version that has animated illustrations and soothing music that compliments every poem.

Kwame Alexander's book, The Write Thing has also been a great resource for my writing programs and deserves an honorable mention.