I Am the Book

Bibliography

Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2011. I Am the Book. Ill. by Yayo. New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 978-0823421190.

Plot Summary

I Am the Book is a collection of 13 poems that celebrate the joy of reading. The poems, which share a common topic, are written by multiple authors. The poems are easy to read and navigate. At the end of the book is an “About the Poets” section that gives you background information on each of the contributing poets.

Critical Analysis

Some of the poems are written with rhyme, while others are free verse. Each poem showcases a collection of different poetic elements such as alliteration, personification, onomatopoeia, and metaphors. “A Poem Is” personifies words by having them run down the page dressed in sneakers. In “When I Read,” Beverly McLoughland describes enthusiastically diving into a book, like a swimmer dives into the sea.

I feel as if there is a sort of progression with the arrangement of the poems. The first couple of poems feel like the relationship is just beginning. As they continue on, the interest in books grows. By the end of the book, the poems are about being totally in love with books. The final line in the last poem signifies saying good-bye to a friend as the book is finished.

While I enjoyed the entire book, I believe my favorite poem was “This Book.” I can relate to the idea of being so engrossed in a book that I neglect dinner and stay up late into the night, reading by the light of my flashlight app. I agree with the poet that “Books are such mind-thrilling, spine-tingling friends.”

The double paged, acrylic paintings are a visual portrayal of what is being described in the poem. Books are not only the star of each poem, but also each illustration.

Review Excerpts

Booklist – “Fun for sharing with preschoolers, this will also spark discussion in grade-school writing and art classes.”

Connections

·         Students can write and illustrate their own poems about books.

·         Other poetry books about books:

o   Salas, Laura Purdie.  Book Speak!: Poems About Books.  ISBN: 978-0547223001.

o   Rosenthal, Amy Krouse.  The Wonder Book.  ISBN: 978-0061429743.