Salting the Ocean:100 Poems by Young Poets

Bibliography

Nye, N.S. 2000. Salting the Ocean:100 Poems by Young Poets. Ill. by Ashley Bryan. New York: Greenwillow Books. ISBN 978-0688161934.

Review

This collection selected by Naomi Shihab Nye includes poems from students in 1^st through 12^th grades. The book begins with a three part introduction. The introductions are addressed to “anyone”, to “teachers, librarians, parents, and other friends who may pick up this book”, and to “poets”. A variety of poem types are included that Nye has collected over a span of 25 years of teaching. The poems are entertaining and thought provoking, but the layout will leave much to be desired for children. There are very few pictures throughout the text, and young children are not likely to be attracted to this book even though they would likely enjoy many of the poems. It would be a great tool for teachers to use to read aloud poetry in the classroom and library in order to demonstrate student created works.

Classroom/Library Connection

Recommended audience: elementary age students

During reading: Read the poem “Inside Out” by Wayne Anderson.

My brother’s socks

            Inside out

My brain

            Inside out

My jacket

            Inside out

The sky

            Inside out

Darkness

            Inside out

For the second reading divide the students into two groups. Have the first group read lines 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Have the second group read the words “inside out”.

After reading: Have students illustrate an item or idea that can be turned inside out. Display their pictures in the library.