MODULE 14: POETRY AND STORY COLLECTIONS
December 1-6
Jazz
By: Walter Dean Myers
Ages: 9-12
December 1-6
Jazz
By: Walter Dean Myers
Ages: 9-12
Summary:
This book of poems describes the evolution of jazz in the United States from its beginnings with slaves to ragtime and then onto modern jazz. Each poem is written in meter and rhythm of a particular style of jazz, and introduces the reader to great jazz musicians and the typical instruments.
My Impressions:
This is a beautifully written book. The poetry is very poetic and moving. Several of the poems had my feet tapping, and I could really hear the jazz rhythms pulsating under the words. One of the poems is titled "America's Music" and this is truly what jazz is. Very few people realize that jazz is music that is exclusively American, as it was born here and evolved here. This book provides the reader with a creative and interesting synopsis of our American musical heritage.
Reviews:
"In this extended jam session, historical moments, great jazz musicians, and the various forms and instruments of the genre each take a turn on stage. In his black ink and acrylic paintings Christopher Myers both follows his father's lead and suggests rhythms and moods of his own. As with blues journey, readers will find music coming irresistibly into their heads. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average."-Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2007)
Lesson Plans:
This book would complement a cultural and creative based curriculum. Of course it would pair very nicely with a unit on jazz music, but it would also complement a history curriculum. There is a time line of jazz history in the back, and it would be interesting to discuss significant historical events while listening to music associated with the same era. This book would make a great read aloud for an older audience of students, and would especially interesting with musical instruments and recordings accompanying each poem. Students could also be challenged to write poetry that explains, describe, or even sounds like their favorite types of music.
This book of poems describes the evolution of jazz in the United States from its beginnings with slaves to ragtime and then onto modern jazz. Each poem is written in meter and rhythm of a particular style of jazz, and introduces the reader to great jazz musicians and the typical instruments.
My Impressions:
This is a beautifully written book. The poetry is very poetic and moving. Several of the poems had my feet tapping, and I could really hear the jazz rhythms pulsating under the words. One of the poems is titled "America's Music" and this is truly what jazz is. Very few people realize that jazz is music that is exclusively American, as it was born here and evolved here. This book provides the reader with a creative and interesting synopsis of our American musical heritage.
Reviews:
"In this extended jam session, historical moments, great jazz musicians, and the various forms and instruments of the genre each take a turn on stage. In his black ink and acrylic paintings Christopher Myers both follows his father's lead and suggests rhythms and moods of his own. As with blues journey, readers will find music coming irresistibly into their heads. Rating: 2: Superior, well above average."-Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2007)
Lesson Plans:
This book would complement a cultural and creative based curriculum. Of course it would pair very nicely with a unit on jazz music, but it would also complement a history curriculum. There is a time line of jazz history in the back, and it would be interesting to discuss significant historical events while listening to music associated with the same era. This book would make a great read aloud for an older audience of students, and would especially interesting with musical instruments and recordings accompanying each poem. Students could also be challenged to write poetry that explains, describe, or even sounds like their favorite types of music.
Horn Book. "Children's Literature Reviews: Jazz." Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. December 13, 2009.
Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. New York: Holiday House, 2006.
Myers, Walter Dean. Jazz. New York: Holiday House, 2006.
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