I have listed just a few of the books consulted in the preparation of this unit. Though other books contained appropriate poetry and/or information, I began to encounter considerable repetition of what I had read before. For me, those listed were the most valuable. Those marked with an asterisk (*) contain material especially relevant and appropriate for elementary grade students. Most material for the classroom will come from poetry selected by the teacher from different sources.
Chapman, Abraham.
New Black Voices
. New York: New American Library, 1972. Contains a fairly large section on the more “angry” Black poetry of recent times. Poems are not appropriate for elementary children but broaden the teacher’s perspective.
Evans, Mari.
Black Woman Writers (1950-1980)
. New York: Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1984. This book is a critical evaluation of modern Black women writers, including the editor, all noted for their poetry and some for their fiction as well. Each section presents a commentary by the poet on her own work, fairly broad evaluations by two critics, a bibliography, and biographical data.
*Hughes, Langston.
Selected Poems
. New York: Random House, Inc., 1959. A wide variety of poems by Hughes appropriate for both students and teacher. Many relate closely to this unit.
*Koch, Kenneth.
Wishes, Lies, and Dreams: Teaching Children to Write Poetry
. New York: Harper and Row, 1970. Kenneth Koch describes his methods of teaching elementary children in Manhattan to write poetry. Contains many examples of pupils’ work and approaches that are age appropriate for younger children. Has excellent examples to show pupils what others their age can write.
Koch, Kenneth and Farrell, Kate.
Sleeping on the Wing
. New York: Vintage Books, Random House, 1981. An anthology of poetry with helpful comments on each poet and the selections presented. Also includes suggestions for motivating adult students.
Randall, Dudley.
The Black Poets
. New York: Bantam Books, 1971. An anthology of poems by Black poets beginning with “Folk Poetry” and progressing to poets of the 1960’s. Presents an excellent historical picture of the Black experience in America through poetry. Some selections are not appropriate for most elementary aged students.
Scholes, Robert.
Elements of Poetry
. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 1969. A book which helps the teacher to read and teach poetry. Presents poetic elements with examples that illustrate these devices.
*Silverstein, Shell
Where the Sidewalk Ends
. New York: Harper and Row, 1974. Contains poems most elementary children love to read.
Curriculum Guide Career Education Grades 5 and 6
. New Haven Public Schools: New Haven, 1986. The publication contains the section “All About Me” which could possibly provide a springboard for this unit.