Little kids love picture books that feature rhymes and wordplay. Once they get beyond the elementary school years, however, they often give up on books that feature poetic language, believing them to be too difficult, too boring, or too "unrelatable." Burleigh's Hoops looks like a picture book but targets the older elementary school reader. Because it is about basketball, it is a good choice for reluctant readers, athletes, and boys in general, especially if they are required to read a "poetry" book. The illustrations by Caldecott honor award winner Stephen T. Johnson are gorgeous, and COOL, and the unstructured text of the poem is accessible. Word images abound on every page and even if you never played the game, you can really imagine feeling "the asphalt burning beneath your shoes. The two-of-you rhythm. The know-where-everyone-is without having to look." This book can be found in in the Juvenile Nonfiction section at J 811.54 BUR.
Need a gift suggestion? Why not give a book and help the library at the same time. You can purchase books through your favorite online vendor by going to the E-Materials link on our website at http://www.sequoyahregionallibrary.org/. All proceeds will help us buy e-books.
Courtesy of Sequoyah Regional Library System
Library website: http://sequoyahregionallibrary.org
