SOL2020: 2/52 How a Poem Can Lead You Down the Rabbit Hole

Thanks to Two Writing Teachers for providing space for writers each week. And thanks to Ramona Behnke for the idea of numbering each weeK _/52.

​Someone contacted me about writing a small piece for a tribute to Lee Bennett Hopkins.  How you select just one book as a favorite?  Yesterday, I read to second graders, GOOD BOOKS, GOOD TIMES.  It’s basically a compendium of loves letters to reading and books.

One thing I have discovered in my ten days of participating in #100daysofnotebooking is that it’s a wonderful way to prime the pump for writing.

The last poem in the book brings up the question: “What if you found yourself in a book?”

For me, it was THE ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS by Scott O’dell.  It was 1961 and I was in fourth grade.  I loved that book and the character Karana.  What I remember is being drawn to her because she was alone and becoming self-reliant.  At some deep level, I recognized that me in me.  I was a year younger that the other kids.  I was academically capable but socially immature.  It made me feel like an outsider at times.  I cried a lot.

Recently, I had lunch with one of my school mates who has moved to the area.  She confirmed that some of the kids were mean to us both.  We both are dreamers and artists who didn’t fit in with the popular group.
​
So yes, I am glad that a book might contain a character that may mirror the inside you.  You are left wondering how did the author know.