Bibliography Hoberman, Mary Ann and Linda Winston. 2009. The Tree That Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination. Naperville, Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc. ISBN 9781402225178 Review & Critical Analysis This anthology of poems focuses on the natural world with an emphasis on environmental awareness. Containing over 100 poems divided into nine sections, each author’s voice is distinct and unique, conveying a message that will help readers connect to the natural world, science concepts, and increase their awareness of environmental changes and conservation. The poems are written by a multitude of poets from classic to contemporary. Everyone from Walt Whitman to Robert Frost to Jack Prelutsky, and even Hoberman herself, are featured within the pages. The poems also vary greatly in form. From free verse to rhyming to concrete and everything between, readers will never tire of the same format over and over. The poems also run the gamut from very serious and emotional, to light hearted and humorous. Even with the variety of poets and styles of poetry, the anthology remains focused and shares its message in a compelling and easily accessible way. There is literally a poem for everyone! The nine sections of this book organize the poetry into like categories. There are familiar elements to each category, as most readers will have experienced the natural world in some way, shape, form, or fashion. Fossils, insects, trees, evolution, and even conservation are just some of the topics represented. These topics may seem straight forward, but the poetry has a way of creating a depth of feeling and emotion within each poem. This anthology leads readers to better understand the natural world, make connections to it, and understand the importance of conserving it. The anthology begins with an introduction that discusses Charles Darwin, his studies, and his theory of evolution. It also discusses how poets and scientists are alike and the methods behind creating an anthology. Suggestions for reading the poems (aloud, to a friend, again and again) are given to guide the reader into the text. A table of contents and index, as well as a glossary help guide the reader through the text, as well. Hoberman and Winston also include a section “About the Poets” with biographical information about each poet, and “About the Compilers” with their background information. Another interesting feature is the included page of “Permissions” where the compilers cite their sources. This is important in an anthology, giving credit to the original poets and showing responsible use of their work. The “Suggestions for Further Reading and Research” is a great resource to guide students in further inquiry about the text. The compilers arranged the anthology into nine sections, each with an introduction giving background information, sharing some important vocabulary, and connecting back to Charles Darwin and his research. This helps the reader build some of his/her own background before they embark on each section. There are also footnotes scattered throughout, providing more information about the subject of a particular poem, its history or background, and sometimes, information about the poetic form. These footnotes are a wonderful way to guide readers and present important information in the context of each poem. The copy of The Tree That Time Built I read also included a CD with readings of forty-four selected poems from the anthology, many of which are read by the poet him/herself! This is another wonderful feature that can help readers connect to the poems in a new way, building a deeper understanding and connection to the text. Overall, this was a wonderful anthology that kept me reading, and listening, for hours. This would be a wonderful resource to use in conjunction with science curriculum to provide added opportunities for poetry enrichment. Spotlight Poem This poem, found on page 50, has a footnote that explains that it is a shape, or concrete poem. It is meant to look like an evergreen tree. According to the footnote, this form of poetry dates back to the third century B.C., and is even present in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This form of poetry is one that students can easily make connections with and visualize. The suggestions in this poem are meant to be interpreted and related to our life.
I would introduce this poem to students by displaying the shape on the board without words. I would ask students to predict what this poem is about. After sharing their predictions, I would show the poem with the words and read it aloud. After reading, I would ask students to share with a partner the message the poem is trying to convey. What life lessons does the author want us to take away? As a follow up activity, I would have students choose an element in nature and write a shape/concrete poem using relevant vocabulary to help visualize the concept. This would be a great activity to complete in conjunction with any unit of study in science. From anatomy to geology to astronomy, students can use this form of poetry to share concepts in highly visual and relatable ways.
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AuthoRMy name is Mrs. Scott and I'm a secondary Media Resource Specialist (librarian) in Texas. This blog was created as part of my graduate coursework at Texas Woman's University. All reviews and opinions are my own. Archives
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