Monumental Verses

Lewis, J. P. (2005). Monumental verses. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic. ISBN: 0-7922-7139-4 (Library Edition)

Plot Summary:

Lewis put together a self written group of poems. Each poem takes up a two-page spread that has the monument in the background. The page spread has a small amount of facts and data about each location, before starting the poem.  There is a variety of poems types, from the acrostic poem about the Golden Gate Bridge to the Shape poem about the Great Pyramid of Cheops. The poems include many descriptive and historical details about the monument it describes, and readers learn much about the area of interest.  The epilogue is a great resource as it contains a map showing where the monuments are located along with a tidbit about each monument.

Analysis:

This collection of poems is enjoyable, it could be organized as a thematic book as all of the poems fall under the theme places, and it could also

be classified as individual poet compilation.  The book, or individual poems, could be used to introduce children to places they may not know very much about as Lewis uses his words to describe his subjects very well. The photography used for backgrounds for the poems are the same concept of keeping the work within the page spread. This would be a good time to show students that though the monuments can be photographed from many different angles and while playing with the subject within the frame of the photograph.  Lewis’ poems include different lengths, which could be an asset when using the poem(s) as introductions to the different monuments as it becomes a text that isn’t overwhelming to young students or students that are early readers. Yet, the students have so much to gain from the shorter poems as they could be used to make inferences, ask more rigorous questions, and even peak the students’ interest to research more independently. Not all of the poems rhyme, which I like because so many times students fall under the misconception that in order for text to be a poem, it must rhyme. All of the poems have good rhythm which allows them to be fun to be read aloud.  

Review Excerpts:

Review on BOOKLIST (April 1, 2005)  Lewis offers 14 poems celebrating monumental structures. From the remnants of civilizations at Stonehenge

,Easter Island, and Machu Picchu to the more modern achievements of the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Statue of Liberty, the subjects are varied and the accompanying photos are striking. Lewis chooses something worth saying about each subject and says it with style. His poem on the color of the Golden Gate Bridge is particularly fine. The verse forms differ from concrete and acrostic forms to more traditional rhymed stanzas. Richly colored, the photographs are notable for their clarity, lighting, and dramatic compositions.

Connections:

Social Studies & Literature connection-This book is a great way to connect social studies and literature. A teacher can use the book in its entirety

or each poem as needed, to teach about the specific monument.