GOT THE POWER by Brod Bagert
(Found in: Bagert, Brod. 2008. SCHOOL FEVER. Ill. by Robert Neubecker. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780803732018)
This lighthearted and rhythmic poem tells the story of a young child's journey into chapter books and the search for the perfect book. The poem takes the child full circle, from fear of chapter books to sheer joy at finding an exciting chapter book that begs to be read. This poem is fairly simple, yet it is perfect for young children who will easily identify with the fear of trying new things and expanding their reading selections. Brod Bagert's careful word choice will evoke images of books that children may have read before (such as "magic bean" and "evil queen"), further personalizing the poem for them. Additionally, kids will love Neubecker's colorful illustration of a child reading a book on a fire-breathing dragon's back, and this illustration adds to the imaginative quality of the poem.
INTRODUCTION: As students come into the library, tell them that the "perfect" book is hidden somewhere on the library shelves. Ask them to think about what they think the perfect book would be for them, and possibly encourage them to write down (or illustrate for younger students) what the perfect book would be (or would look like). As a group, brainstorm some qualities that would make the perfect book (expect a variety of responses since everyone's tastes are different).
(Found in: Bagert, Brod. 2008. SCHOOL FEVER. Ill. by Robert Neubecker. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780803732018)
This lighthearted and rhythmic poem tells the story of a young child's journey into chapter books and the search for the perfect book. The poem takes the child full circle, from fear of chapter books to sheer joy at finding an exciting chapter book that begs to be read. This poem is fairly simple, yet it is perfect for young children who will easily identify with the fear of trying new things and expanding their reading selections. Brod Bagert's careful word choice will evoke images of books that children may have read before (such as "magic bean" and "evil queen"), further personalizing the poem for them. Additionally, kids will love Neubecker's colorful illustration of a child reading a book on a fire-breathing dragon's back, and this illustration adds to the imaginative quality of the poem.
INTRODUCTION: As students come into the library, tell them that the "perfect" book is hidden somewhere on the library shelves. Ask them to think about what they think the perfect book would be for them, and possibly encourage them to write down (or illustrate for younger students) what the perfect book would be (or would look like). As a group, brainstorm some qualities that would make the perfect book (expect a variety of responses since everyone's tastes are different).
GOT THE POWER
by Brod Bagert
Last year I thought I had it made
But now I’m just a bit afraid,
The biggest step I ever took—
I’m going to read a chapter book.
But now the problem’s plain to see,
I need a book just right for me,
It’s sitting somewhere on this shelf,
I’ll have to find it by myself.
Here’s one about a cattle ranch.
Here’s one about an avalanche.
Here’s one about a magic bean.
Here’s one about an evil queen.
I’ve searched this bookshelf through and through
And here it is! Can this be true?
A dragon book! A flying beast!
This book is going to be a feast!
Yes, now I’ve really got it made,
And I am not a bit afraid.
I’VE GOT THE POWER! Yes-sir-ee.
I found the perfect book for me.
EXTENSION: After reading the poem out loud to students and discussing the poem, follow up with a discussion on what makes the perfect book (remind students that everyone might have completely different perfect books). Share your own personal perfect book and tell students why it is the perfect book for you. Then, tell students, "You've got the power!" as you challenge them to go to the library shelves to find their own perfect books today!
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