A Full Moon Is Rising

Gr 1–3—A chorus of voices narrates 17 free-verse poems, the numerous accents of the multi-cast of narrators reflecting Singer's global poetry (Lee & Low, 2011) celebrating humanity's universal fascination with the moon. Each poem is a unique production, with distinctive voices, music, and sound effects, conjuring an overarching impression of the culture portrayed. A standout track is "Lunar Eclipse," which represents an eclipse celebration in a Malian village. The poem's production is multilayered, with chanting voices of children and a cacophony of banging drums supporting the impassioned recitation by Dion Graham. Among the other countries and cultures featured in the poems are New York City, Israel, South Africa, Australia, China, Mexico, Canada, Turkey, and more. End notes about the poems are also read aloud by the performers, and include fascinating facts about science, culture, and mythology. Students should follow along in the book so that they can peruse Julia Cairns beautiful, bright watercolor illustrations. Endpapers are a map of the world with the locations that inspired the poems indicated. A stirring poetic journey around the globe,.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Eagan, MN