A Child's Anthology of Poetry

A Child's Anthology of Poetry, edited by Elizabeth Hauge Sword with Victoria Flournoy McCarthy

Do you find poetry boring? Dull? Dreary? If so, then you have not yet read this book. It is an anthology of some of the most interesting and entertaining poems I have read. They range from light-hearted poems by such authors as Emily Dickinson, to dark tragedies like the famous poem, “The Highwayman.” All in all, this book will give you a round diet of some of the best poetry written. Even people who strongly detest poetry might just change their mind after reading this collection.

Inspirations 4 Writing

After reading some of the poems in “A Child’s Anthology of Poetry” try your hand at writing a poem or two of your own.

Stuck? Here are some suggestions to get you started. Study the rhythm of the words in “The Highwayman.” Why is it as haunting is it is? How can you infuse this style into your own poetry?

Read a poem by Emily Dickinson and then write your own poem from the unique outlook of life that she possessed. See if you can see things in a new and whimsical way, like she did. Keep studying the other poems in the book for inspiration. Who knows? You might even become the next Robert Frost!

Book Review of "The School Story" by Andrew Clements

Natalie Nelson is a normal 6^th grader…and she intends to stay that way, even though she has just written a novel that her best friend Zoe insists should be published. At last Natalie gives in a little and lets her English teacher read it. Her English teacher loves it almost more than Zoe. The next step is getting published. Natalie’s mom is an editor for a publishing company and the obvious thing to do would be to give it to her. But Natalie knows that if her mom’s boss once found out that Natalie wrote the book, she would never let it get published. That is when Zoe comes up with a harebrained scheme. Natalie can turn the book in using a pen name and Zoe can pose as her agent. Their English teacher promises to help.  The only question that now remains is will it work?

This book has been a favorite of mine ever since I  read it several years ago. I was about Natalie’s age and, like Natalie, a writer who deeply desired to have a book published. This book reminded me that my young age does not have to be a barrier to this dream. Andrew Clements writes in a compelling style that makes it very hard to put the book down. When you do finish the book, rest assured that you will someday want to pick it up and read it again!    

Inspirations 4 Writing

One of the best pieces of encouragement an author can give is that you are never too young to become a writer or even a published author. “The School Story” inspired me in this way, and I hope it inspires other young writers as well!

Book Review of "The Ides of April" by Mary Ray

Hylas is a Greek slave. His master is the affluent Caius Pomponius. One day Hylas wakes to discover that his master was murdered in bed while asleep in a room in his villa. Suspicion instantly falls on the household slaves; who else in the villa could have committed the vile crime? In Rome when one slave was suspected of murder every single slave in the house was executed, whether man, woman or child. Soldiers soon arrive, arrest the slaves, and herd them to prison. Hylas, however, manages to escape arrest and flees the house. It is only a matter of time before he will be missed and the soldiers start searching for him. Hylas is frantic, and for good reasons. His own mother is one of the slaves facing torture and death in a Roman prison. Trusting his life into the hands of people he hardly knows, Hylas must somehow prove that the murderer was not one of the slaves while evading capture himself.

This exciting mystery set just after the time of Christ is so thrilling that I could not put it down. The author connected me emotionally with the characters and compelled me to pause a moment to imagine how it might have felt like to be a slave in Rome. I found myself growing exceedingly angry at the distorted form of justice displayed by the Roman Empire in such murder cases.

At the same time, I was moved by the mercy showed to Hylas by people who are virtual strangers. When an author can invoke so many different emotions while juggling a complicated cast of characters I cannot help but be greatly inspired. 

                       

 Inspirations 4 Writing

How does it feel like to be a slave? How does it feel like to be an escapee with your life on the line? Ponder these questions and try to imagine yourself in such circumstances. Then write feelingly about a character who is either a slave, an escapee running from some danger, or both.

Book Review of "Snow Treasure" by Marie McSwigan

Peter Lundstrom and his friends are ordinary Norwegian children living in 1940. They enjoy excitement of any kind and love to sled, build snowmen, and have snowball fights. Peter could never have foreseen that these innocent pastimes would become the tools for a daring mission…but that is exactly what happens when the Nazis invade Peter’s small town. Peter and his friends must now use their sleds to smuggle millions of dollars worth of gold under the very noses of the Nazis. If their country’s gold fell into enemy hands it would spell disaster for Norway.

Often in literature, unassuming heroes are the ones that endear themselves to the reader. These are exactly the sort of heroes that Peter and his friends are. They did not want to be heroes. They never planned to risk their lives for their country. But when circumstances call for immediate action they choose to do whatever it takes, even self-sacrifice. A story of courage, danger, and loyalty, this book is a must-read!

Inspirations 4 Writing

If you were faced with a life and death situation, what would you do? Write a story using an autobiographical character and place this character in just such a situation. How does this character choose to act? 

"I Am David" by Anne Holm

 

 David is a young boy who has lived in a concentration camp for as long as he can remember. All he knows is concrete and barbed wire, cruel hard guards, and desperate prisoners. He has never seen a tree. He has never seen a child his own age. He has never even heard music before. One day a guard at the concentration camp suddenly takes pity on David and helps him to escape. At last David is free. But how can a single boy who is virtually a stranger to the outside world survive on his own?

The author of “I am David” writes so vividly and emotionally about David’s plight that I was moved to tears. In the course of his short life David has experienced suffering, evil and death close-hand. Music, food, and laughter are things that never cease to be miraculous to him. Things we take for granted he sees as extraordinary gifts. In reading David’s story I realized how rich in blessings my own life is.  

I hope that other people who read this book are moved similarly. I know for certain that they will eagerly read to find out what becomes of David, and if he will ever find a place where he truly belongs.

Inspirations 4 Writing  

Imagine a setting with a character who is without the necessities and pleasures which we often take for granted. Perhaps the character is lost in the wilderness, or, like David, is in a prison camp. Use your imagination. What would it feel like? Try to put yourself into this character’s shoes in the way the author of “I Am David” put herself in David’s shoes. How does the character feel like when he/she returns to civilization? 

Book Review of "Sparrows in the Scullery" by Barbara Brooks Wallace

Colly Trevelyan is an eleven-year-old boy who has been coddled and protected by his wealthy parents for all of his life. When he receives the news that his beloved parents were killed in a carriage accident, he is devastated. He knows his life is about to change for the worse, but he could not have possibly imagined how worse… 

On a cold dark night, two men creep into his room and kidnap him. He is taken to The Broggin Home for Boys, an institute that is run by the miserly and cruel Mr. and Mrs. Crawler. The façade of the institute is that of a loving refuge for homeless boys where they will be educated and taken care of. In reality, Mr. and Mrs. Crawler use orphaned boys as free labor in factories.

It is all Colly can do not to slip into despair. Why was he kidnapped and taken here? Who kidnapped him? Will he ever be rescued?

This riveting mystery story has been a favorite of mine for years. From the start, the author opens a window into Colly’s heart and mind, vividly describing his thoughts and emotions during his abduction and while he is at The Broggin Home for Boys. The way she describes Mr. and Mrs. Crawler and also the other poor orphans at the institute renders them unforgettable. Years after reading it I could still recall the details of the Crawlers appearances and even the names and characteristics of the boys. I remember that when I was a little girl listening to a recording of the novel on tape I exclaimed to my mom, “Someday I want to write a book just like this!” If an author has the ability to inspire young people in their desire to be a writer you know that they have to be good!

Inspirations 4 Writing

The title of the story at first appears enigmatic and unintelligible. After all, what do sparrows have to do with a mystery story about orphans? Upon reading it, however, the meaning of the title becomes clear. Titles like these always inspire me to carefully choose significant names for my novels, a name that catches your eye and holds deep meaning that is fully understood only when you read the book.  

Book Review of "The Trumpet of the Swan" by E.B. White

Louis is a young trumpeter swan. Trumpeter swans are known for their voices, which earned them their name. But poor Louis was hatched unable to speak.

However, the indomitable Louis is not the type to let such things impede his life. With the help of his affectionate father Louis acquires a trumpet and learns to play it, thus making himself a “trumpeter” swan in the literal sense of the word. He also learns how to read and write. With the help of his trumpet and his school-learning, Louis not only can communicate with swans but also with people. But even this extraordinary swan cannot began to foresee the direction that his abilities will take him.

With humor, wit, and emotion, E.B. White spins a tale that will excite, enthrall, and make you laugh! You cannot help but cheer on Louis the trumpeter swan and read eagerly to see what he will do next.

This heart-warming story from the author of “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” is bound to become a family classic.

Inspirations 4 Writing

A story for children is often one of the most fun things to write! Taking inspiration from E.B. White’s theme of talking animals overcoming obstacles, see what you can come up with. As you write, try to think of the sorts of things that would make a child laugh. When I first listened to a recording of this book as a child, E.B White certainly made me laugh!