Everything Is a Poem: The Best of J. Patrick Lewis

Gr 1–4—This amusing collection covers a variety of topics that can be read simply for enjoyment, or used as a springboard for classroom activities. The author, a former U.S. children's poet laureate, divides his collection into broad sections. "People" offers short pieces from the voices of both famous and lesser-known historical figures, from Muhammad Ali to the first human to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Younger children will delight in hearing some of the sillier pieces, such as "Mosquito" again and again, as well as participating during read-alouds. (Who wouldn't enjoy repeating the word "Okefenokee" in the "Okefenokee Swamp Song"?) The "Places" section includes short works that can easily be integrated into geography lessons for students, while the "Riddles" selections are pure fun. Pritelli's colorful illustrations have a textured feel that reinforces the mood of each poem. A solid addition to libraries where poetry collections are popular.—Sherry J. Mills, Hazelwood East High School, St. Louis, MO