Speak to Me: And I Will Listen Between the Lines

by Karen English and Amy June Bates

A third grade classroom is the setting for Karen English’s collection of poems... read more

A third grade classroom is the setting for Karen English’s collection of poems offering glimpses into the lives of some of the students. Some shine, and some struggle. There are disagreements and hurt feelings, proud moments, and poignant, sometimes heartbreaking looks at the truths they need to tell, whether or not they are real (“My real daddy’s coming for me after school / To buy me whatever I want / To take me in his arms / Drive me all around / Show me off . . . “). Authentic and childlike, each poem does indeed invite readers to listen between the lines, to attempt to understand more fully the child behind the words that have been spoken. (Ages 6–9)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2005

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