I love discovering cross-curricular implementations of poetry. For example, using poetry to explore history. In celebration of Black History Month, consider exploring the life of historical figure George Washington Carver through poetry.
In the Newbery honor-winning biography, Carver: A Life in Poems (Front Street, 2001), poet Marilyn Nelson explores the amazing life of scientist, botanist, inventor, and teacher George Washington Carver—all via original poems.
Listen to Marilyn Nelson read the poem “1905” and describe a letter written by Albert Einstein encouraging the United States National Park Service to open a museum in honor of George Washington Carver.
A favorite line from this poem:
“Their welcoming glance meets Carver’s eyes at the velocity of light.”
The original book reading with Marilyn Nelson was created as part of the Coretta Scott King Book Award Curriculum Resource Center.
Poetry Friday is hosted at I’m Here. I’m Queer. this week.
Posted by Danika Brubaker, MLS, Web 2.0 Content Producer
Thanks for posting this, Danika. Our regional SCBWI conference (MD-DE-WV) is getting ready for a diversity-themed conference March 6. Always glad to see books out there for *all* kids.
So great hearing this poem being read–thanks for posting. I also appreciated learning a bit more about George Washington Carver at the start of the recording.
If this is Marilyn Nelson, Part I, I hope you’re going to move on to Emmett Till and The Sweethearts of Rhythm — those are my favorites by Marilyn Nelson!
Hi Mary Lee, thanks for your comment! Emmett Till is so incredible, and so is The Sweethearts of Rhythm … BUT, no, this post will feature another book and poem selection. A very intense one.
Martha, I agree about the beginning part of the recording I never knew he was so multi-talented. And, what an interesting connection to Einstein.
Laura, you’re welcome! Sounds like a great conference ahead!