four years ago
i had a job teaching
writing classes to advanced
elementary students.
we studied many genres
and approaches to writing
but my favorite lessons were
poetry
and
voice.
the children seemed to eat them up too.
it was most enjoyable.
last year i read everything is fine
by ann dee ellis
and discovered a book where atypical poetry
and voice
mingle to tell a story about a young girl
and her tragic life.
this book would've been perfect
to read with the older students
to help them appreciate
style, characterization and freedom in writing.
though it is an intense storyline,
it is told with unique prose
and humor.
i look forward to reading it with
my children someday.
in fact,
i think it is a masterpiece
(and i am not just saying that
because i know ann dee in real life)
after finishing the last page
i was stunned by the intelligence
in the story-making
you can read more about ann dee here
you can read more reviews here.
or buy it here.
do you like decorative pillows like i do?
how about custom pillows?
tomorrow i shall reveal . . .
9 reactions:
I love Ann Dee, her family and her books. So glad you wrote this!
For what grade levels would you recommend this book? (8th? 10th?) I would love a new "voice" to rejuvenate my poetry curriculum.
Great question Ashley, I'd say 6th on up. It isn't poetry per se, but the prose has a poetic quality to it. Hard to explain, but worth adding to your curriculum,
Dear cjane,
This is random in your blog, please excuse. I am such a fan. I love you and your sister. You are amazing humans. Thank you for your creativity, your tenacity, your faith (though, different from mine), love and kindness. It is such a breath of fresh air. I am so inspired and excited to read your blogs. I love the honesty, imagination and fun. You are a true kindred spirit.
May you be blessed and happy through this New Year!!
Fondly,
Jessica
Katy thinks EIF is too intense for 6th graders. After she read it she was like, Whoa, that is really heavy.
I was a little shocked because I love Mazzy so much and it didn't feel heavy as I was writing it. I told Katy that and she reviewed the major events in the book, and yeah, sort of heavy. It's a weird experience to write the book and then let it go. Maybe seventh and eighth graders?
I don't know. Feels like a twelve year old would be able to handle it. I guess the best advice is to read it first and then decide.
Thank you so much for sharing this book and its author with us!! I teach 8th grade Language Arts, and I'm always excited to find new books for my kids. I think they will LOVE Everything Is Fine and This is What I Did!
Thanks for the recommendations...
Love your dress/shirt! I have the very some one...Target rocks!
As a former middle school English teacher, I highly recommend this book for adolescent readers looking for something meaningful yet fun to read. Excellent book.
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