Amazing Faces
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. Amazing Faces. New York: Lee & Low Books, 2010. ISBN: 978-1600603341
Critical Analysis: Lee Bennett Hopkins has thoughtfully and carefully selected sixteen poems, each with a diverse focus on a different emotion; excited, relaxed, exhausted and elated are just a few. This collection equivocally captures the essence of how certain emotions affect humans of all ethnicities in the same manner. The illustrations of Soentpiet engage the reader and are a satisfying addition to the imagery that is found within the text of these pieces. Each poem is coupled with an illustration portraying the emotion represented in the words and phrasing on the individual’s face. The reader or listener experiences a connection with the poems which relate to many personal feelings they may have felt themselves, as a child into adulthood. The mood of the poems ranges from silly to serious, but each on expresses a heartfelt message. The quality of these poems is high, and the intended audience of elementary age children will enjoy the diversity offered in rhythm and pattern with many of the poems displaying some form of rhyme. Hopkins has gathered powerful pieces from some of the most impressive authors in an effort to help people realize that we all “feel” the same way.
POEM SPOTLIGHT
Miss Stone
My wishes gathered like ants.
I wished there was no recess.
I wished there was no first day.
I wished somebody, anybody
Would come over and ask me to play.
Then you said, “Excuse me.
Would you keep me company?
I’m feeling alone.”
Remember Miss Stone?
I loved you that day.
You made my unhappy thoughts
Scamper away.
Nikki Grimes
Analysis: In the poem, Miss Stone by Nikki Grimes, the reader is captivated by the heartfelt worries of a little girl who is struggling with being new on the first day of school, and even worse, being alone on the playground at recess. The poem begins with a simile, “My wishes gathered like ants,” and Grimes hooks readers into figuring out what could be so painful in this little girl’s life. She wishes for there to be no recess, no first day, but what she really wishes is to be asked to play. The abstract theme and steadfast tone presented in the words are both ones that most children will relate to. Grimes surprises readers as the distinct emotion of loneliness emerges into relief and satisfaction upon her last wish coming true. The most powerful line in this short yet powerful piece, “Remember, Miss Stone?”, is proof that sometimes the best of friends are those we least expect, and how quickly individuals as caring as Miss Stone become so loved. Grimes is able to lighten the mood and bring a smile to the reader’s face , just as the illustration of the once lonely girl. This poem coupled with the illustration surprises readers with a unique twist, with a happy ending. The use of rhyme in only a few places lets the power of the words play out, and then ties them .together in one pretty package.
Classroom Connections: This poem would be great as a read aloud for students on the first day of school. I think they could easily relate to the little girl in the poem. The first sharing students could close their eyes and just listen to the words. Students could discuss what they think the poem is about after they have heard it. Then the teacher could share the picture with the class and read it again, only this time have the class read the parts of the girl and the teacher reads the parts of the teacher. This would be a great way to start poetry sharing on the first day!
The first day of school is tough for all kids, especially those who are new to the school all together. This poem could be used as an ice breaker activity in helping children cope with the anxiety and loneliness that the first day brings.
Students could also brainstorm other “firsts” in their life that made them feel scared and lonely and discuss how they were able to conquer their fears.
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