A Wreath for Emmett Till by Marilyn Nelson

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

"A Wreath for Emmett Till" written by Marilyn Nelson is a non-fiction historical book that is described in poetry, that is a quick read. It takes you through the unfortunate event that Emmett and many other black people have faded through the years of slavery and racism. This young fourteen year old African American boy was unjustly lynched and murdered for the accusations of harassing a white women by whistling and hooting at her.* As these poems transcend you through Emmett Till's horrific experience,*. This particular story has inspired and brought justice and publicity to an unforgivable action. I would definitely recommend this book to people who would like to learn about history and mystery but as well as black rights.

- 8th grade

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This is a book that is based on the pieces of a little black girl growing up, whos name is Jacqueline Woodson. Growing up as a person, in general, she had to deal with siblings, parents, equity, whoopens, and just life moving at its regular pace.

- Ella, 6th grade, Putnam Ave Upper School

Hamilton the Revolution by Jeremy McCarter and Lin-Manuel Miranda

Read a book about a musician or with a story that involves music.
Read a book in verse.
Read a nonfiction book or historical fiction book.

I have read this book so many times that I bet I could read it from memory (JK. No. There are a LOT of words.) so I'm not quite sure why I didn't put this up earlier. Anyways, Hamilton the Revolution is a book about the production of the Broadway musical Hamilton (which is amazing, by the way!!) and has the lyrics to all the songs. I would give this book 5 stars. Hamilton itself is amazing, but the book tells you even more. For example, it has little notes on each page of each song about some of the lines in the play. In my expert opinion, I am telling you now to get obsessed with Hamilton. Or else.

Clara, 8th grade, Cambridge Street Upper School

Every Shiny Thing by Cordelia Jensen and Laurie Morrison

Read a book in verse

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

This book is an amazing story about two girls from completely different backgrounds who somehow become friends. It actually reminded me of a line from Hamilton (don't laugh; I can't help that I'm obsessed!) - "... when you're in so deep, it seems easier to just swim down." Both girls are so deep down it seems like things just can't get worse. So they basically stop trying. They get into loads of trouble before they realize that they can also swim up. I would give this book five stars.

Clara, 6th grade, Cambridge Street Upper

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

If you could ask the author/illustrator of this book one question, what would it be?

If i could ask Jacqueline Woodson a question it would be ....
In the process of writing poetry do you struggle in writing about a fictional character?
Because poetry draws from your feelings and experiences is it hard to get in the minds of a characters who arn't you.

-8th grade, Amigos

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Would you recommend this book? If so, who would you recommend it to, and why? If not, why not?

The Poet X is an amazing book in verse that I listened to on Hoopla. It was read by the author, and that really made me understand the book better. I would give this book five stars. "The Poet X" (Xiomara Batista, the main character) is a twin, a poet, and a part of a strictly religious immigrant family. She is bound by the rules of her family, and the punishment for breaking them is extreme. But she lets her thoughts and feelings out in her notebook, through poetry. When she is catcalled and touched by strangers on the street, she lets her feelings out through poetry. When she is upset with her family, she turns her anger out and into the pages of her notebook. When she has those rare moments of joy, she sings her heart out in pages and pages of poetry, because nobody else will listen. Xiomara is a girl who would really impact our society. 

Another thing about this book is that it is YA, and it does have a lot of swearing and sexual language, so make sure you're ready.

-Clara, 6th grade, CSUS

The last fifth grade of Emerson Elementary by: Laura Shovan

Describe a part of the book that made you feel something strongly (i.e. something that made you cry, laugh, get really angry, etc.)

Part of this book that made me feel a strong feeling was when the principal refused to acknowledge the school board of the petition created by the determined pupils. Another time my feelings were out of control was when their class did a sit-in at a public board meeting, but we're still ignored. This book is told in perspective from each student, the poems were planned to be placed in a time capsule that would be viewed twenty five years in the future.

-7th grade, RAUC

Boris By Cynthia Rylant

This is a story about the life of a cat, Boris, but the book is all a very long poem. I think the best part of the book is how the person who owns Boris talks to it, gives it advice, and tells him his story. There is one part where the owner tells him about the eagles and how the people say they can carry cats and small dogs away from their homes, and the owner is just warning Boris to be carful when he's outside. Throughout the book though, it's clear Boris is not afraid of much. Cynthia Rylant makes the book seem so relatable, even for me someone who has never had a cat.

-Emilia, 7th grade, VLUS

The Poet X

The Poet X is a book about a girl named Xiomara. She lives with her strict mom, quiet dad, and her twin. Her mom is very strict and religious, and hard on Xiomara. The book is about her life through her freshman though sophomore year and it is a book in verse. I would recommend this book to people 11-12 and up since it has some swears and some mature content. Also if you like books in verse like Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson.

-Lizzie, 6th grade, Amigos