TWU LS 5603 - Poetry Reviews - THE TREE THAT TIME BUILT

BIBLIOGRAPHY #1

Hoberman, Mary Ann, Linda Winston, and Barbara Fortin. 2009. THE TREE THAT TIME BUILT: A CELEBRATION OF NATURE, SCIENCE, AND IMAGINATION. Napperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. ISBN 1402225178

PLOT SUMMARY
This collection of poems about science link Darwin’s studies with the work of 78 poets. The nature theme is broken into smaller chapters to include all that is in the world around us from the sea to the sky and the atom to the dinosaur. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
This topical collection has a nature theme throughout and is based on Darwin’s naturalist studies. The flow of the book is segmented into nine smaller themed chapters and covers a range of areas from fields, the sea, trees, and animals. The format of the book lends itself to reflective exercises and prompts for discussion with the critiques and Darwin connections at the bottom of the poems. This is a wonderful creative presentation of the individual poems and the collection. The enclosed CD is another option for presentation of the poems.  Teachers who struggle with poetry themselves, would find this collection a must have for teaching this genre. Although the illustrations are sparse and decorative, in mostly black and white, the text itself is the true gem of this book. The biographies of the 78 poets and the glossary of poetry and science terms included in the book are a tool for teachers and a reference for further connections for the students.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Book Links (ALA) 01/01/10

Library Media Connection 01/01/10

Booklist 12/15/09

Publishers Weekly 11/30/09

Horn Book 04/01/10

School Library Journal 01/01/10

School Library Journal (January 1, 2010) “Finding connections to and inspiration from Charles Darwin's work, the editors of this anthology encourage readers to consider the shared ancestry among all living things.”

CONNECTIONS

Ryder, Joanne, and Dennis Nolan. 1990. UNDER YOUR FEET. New York: Four Winds Press. ISBN 0027779556

·         Partner this book to show other nature poems

Simmons, Randy T. 2002. ENDANGERED SPECIES. San Diego: Greenhaven Press.ISBN 073771266X

·         Partner this as a connection to the chapter “Hurt No Living Thing”

Tagliaferro, Linda. 2001. GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: NATURE’S DELICATE BALANCE AT RISK. Minneapolis: Lerner. ISBN 0822506485

·         Partner this as historical location for Darwin’s studies and extinction discussion