milk and honey - rupi kaur

During my first day at Project Zero, our study group looked at a poem for a text rendering protocol. Here's the poem we read;

For the protocol, the poem is read silently. Then, 3-4 people are asked to read it out loud. We are then split into 3 groups. One group creates a musical interpretation, one group a dramatic interpretation and one group a visual artistic interpretation. At the end of the study group, our fellow mentioned she chose this poem because most of her 8th graders carry around a copy of the book.

Needless to say, I had to look this girl up.

milk and honey is a collection of poems split into 4 sections/chapters;  the hurting, the loving, the breaking, the healing. Each poem deals with some aspect of love, femininity, abuse and violence. Some poems are sweet. Some are harsh. But they all connect in some way to what a lot of teenagers are going through.

Our fellow mentioned all her eighth graders loved this book. While I did too, I'm not sure all those poems are appropriate for 13 year olds. But then again, am I trying to shelter them?

The Playbook - Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander has become one of my newest favourite YA authors. I truly believe all Middle Schools should not only have his books in their library, but that his books should be added to the curriculum.

Unlike the other two books of his that I read, The Playbook  isn't a novel written in prose/poems. Instead, each page contains one rule. While it seems these would be rules on basketball, they are in fact amazing life rules. Each rule is an inspiration for life. Each rule is accompanied by an amazing photograph as well as some inspiring words from athletes and role models. There are some great biographical stories to inspire students to never give up, including one autobiographical snippet.

It's one of those books you want to give to teachers and coaches. It's one of those books to give your child when s/he's feeling down and defeated. It's one of those books your students will love and gain some inspiration and motivation from.

It's one of those books you'll want to read again and again.

Happy Birthday Dad

You came into this world,

so many years ago, 

bringing with you

your ever special glow.

So full of love

and with a big heart.

We're thinking of you today

even though we are apart.

I know you're watching us, 

even though you're not around.

Today we will celebrate,

and try our best not to frown.

You are always in our thoughts,

you are always in our prayers,

Happy birthday to my dearest dad,

my angel upstairs.

Crank - Ellen Hopkins

Life was good

before

I met

the monster. 

After,

life

was great

At least

for a little while.

It seems I have a thing for books written in poetry. Although this one is not meant for your middle schooler. 

Written in prose, Crank tells the story of Ellen Hopkins' daughter. At age 16, Kristina starts her downward spiral into the life of drugs. She discovers the "monster" and develops an alter ego named Bree, who is sexy, confident, everything Kristina is not. 

This is one of those books that has mixed reviews on Goodreads. It's also one of those books that I was unsure what rating to give it. Finally, I decided, if a book can have this kind of effect on me, it's a darn good book.

I read Crank in a day and a half. It's poetic nature makes it easy to read. It also makes you feel. You feel sick. You feel frustrated. You feel scared. 

Booked - Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander

has done it again.

He brings a heartfelt story

written in prose.

Twelve-year old Nick

is a book-hating,

soccer loving boy.

He has an immense

vocabulary;

Thanks to his dad's requirement

that he read the dictionary,

from A-Z. 

While soccer may be his life,

Nick does attend

Etiquette classes. 

Here the focus is on

good manners,

proper etiquette

and dancing. 

And it allows Nick to get closer

to his crush.

But things are not always rosey.

He has a difficult teacher.

He has an annoying classmate.

And his bike gets stolen

by bullies!

And then...

Mom moves to Kentucky

to take a job as a horse trainer.

And Nick has feelings

of abandonment

he must face.

Soon Nick discovers

that language can help him

charm a teacher,

impress a girl,

deal with menacing bullies

and help him express his emotions

when his parents' marriage

falls apart. 

"The poems 

were cool.

The best ones were

like bombs,

and when all the right words

came together

it was like an explosion."

Writer's Workshop - Haiku

Write a haiku about something you're thankful for.

It's been forever since I joined MamaKat and her Writer's Workshop. It's about time, isn't it? But I couldn't think of one thing I was thankful for. So I had a little fun.

A cappuccino

Creamy, cinnamon and hot

Frothy designs on the top.

A bottle of red

Let’s get this weekend started

My glass is empty

True friendship is seen

In the darkest of hours

That leads you to hope.

He bought me chocolate

Creamy smooth, yummy goodness

Now that is true love

Writer's Workshop - Coffee

Write a blog post inspired by the word:

Coffee

Coffee

Latte, Cappuccino

Espresso,

Mocha, Americano

Caffeinated,

Decaf

Half-caf?

Black,

Strong

Double-Double

Caramel,

Vanilla,

Hazelnut

Holiday flavours too.

You wake me up 

in the mornings.

You make me seem more...

human.

You give me that little extra

pep

to keep me going.

Coffee,

Latte, Cappuccino

Hot or cold

I'm sold!

Disappointment

Disappointment

A blow to the ego

Hurt

and feeling betrayed.

Discouraged

A set back

and wondering where you failed.

A letdown

A bummer

and thinking you're a washout.

Is it a misfortune,

a mischance

or a blunder?

But it leaves you feeling

Unappreciated

Unloved

and disliked.

Despondent,

spirit destroyed

and down in the dumps.

Crummy,

bumped-out

and dejected.

Writer's Workshop - Mom Poem

Write a poem for you Mother.

My mom was there

when I learnt to walk,

when I learnt to talk

and when I learnt to yell.

My mom was there

to buy me clothes,

paint my toes

and brush my hair.

My mom was there

to introduce me

to the joys of tea,

soap operas

and Indian movies.

My mom was there

when I was good,

when I was bad

and when I was mad.

My mom taught me

about makeup, 

waxing

and how to collect bags and

shoes.

My mom is wise

caring,

and brave.

I never gave her much credit

growing up.

After all,

I was Daddy's Girl.

My mom has a heart of gold

that holds more love

than you will ever know.

So dearest mom,

I just wanted to say

I love you

and

Happy Mother's Day.

Writer's Workshop - Cupcakes

Write a blog post inspired by the word: cupcakes

Cupcakes

Sweet and tasty

For all occasions

For all your desires.

Forget the cake!

Go for a cupcake!

Something for everyone.

What's your favourite?

Chocolate, vanilla,

red velvet?

Pumpkin, banana,

or carrot?

Coffee, caramel, 

or peanut butter?

With so many choice

how can you not get excited?

Icing, ganache

and sprinkles.

Top it off anyway you want.

Cupcakes!

Think I may need one now too. 

Writer's Workshop - Snacks

Write a list of your 10 favourite snacks growing up.

Snack Haiku

Smarties Oreos Twix

Mars Bar Pringles Barbecue Chips

Chipwich Pizza Fudgesicle

Ok, so that's only 9,

but I think I deserve extra credit

for turning them into a haiku!

And now I'm hungry.

Off to find a snack!