Silverstein, S (1974). Where the Sidewalk Ends. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Summary: Collection of children’s poetry that explains what happens when the sidewalk literally ends. Nothing is normal in this magically strange world. Poems vary widely in length, topic and even direction from friendship to cleanliness to wild animals.
Reading Level:
Curriculum Suggestions:
Related Links:
Awards:
Tags: classics, contemporary, elementary, fiction, picture books, poetry
Summary: Collection of children’s poetry that explains what happens when the sidewalk literally ends. Nothing is normal in this magically strange world. Poems vary widely in length, topic and even direction from friendship to cleanliness to wild animals.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: N/A, but recommended for grade 3 and up
- Qualitative: Grade 3 / Medium-High. This book of poetry is moderately complex. While there are illustrations, they are primarily black and white minimalist, sometimes confusing, sketches that add meaning to the poem only after it is read. There are multiple layers of meaning because of the varied interpretation and abstract nature of this genre. Words and passages are clearly fantasy and many have double meaning. The knowledge demands of the reader include themes that vary widely, where one fairly short and simple poem about family or youth is followed by a lengthier 2 page poem on man vs. nature. Language conventions and clarity are purposefully ambiguous, with heavy use of rhyme, metaphors and similes. Come on, it's poetry!
- Content Area: Language Arts
Curriculum Suggestions:
- Introduction to poetry
- Read aloud
- Memorization and presentation
- Inspiration for student generated poetry
Related Links:
- Shel Silverstein www.shelsilverstein.com
- Poetry 4 Kids www.poetry4kids.com/blog/lessons/poetry-writing-lessons
Awards:
- Amazon Customers’ Favorite
- NYT Notable
- ALA Notable Children’s Book
Tags: classics, contemporary, elementary, fiction, picture books, poetry