Where I'm From

by George Ella Lyon, Robert Hoskins (Photographer), Bob Hoskins (Photographer)

Discusses themes, sound, rhythm, language, and line breaks of poetry using the author's own poems, and reveals her writing process.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

98 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1999

About the author

George Ella Lyon is a Kentucky author who has published in many genres, including picture books, poetry, juvenile novels, and articles.

Reviews

[Rita Quillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most productive writing exercise ever invented! Works with all ages.The 'Where I'm From' poem. Here's the wonderful poem that started the whole phenomenon....

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this book for the second time, five years later. This time, I am truly taking time to savor this gift. Ms. Lyon offers a sweet introduction for the young poet. She covers why you might be inspired to write, how to help your reader connect, and gives great examples of poetry types.

I love this little book and think it would encourage young minds and their parents. The book is lively, engaging, and fun. It is filled with nostalgia and quick stories about her life, love of nature, family times, and the good old days. This is a great book to help the young readers in your life smile!

[Gina]

“Where I'm from” book are poems that's inside of a book. It tells the story of the author’s home environment growing up; he utilizes strong imagery. For example, “I am from clothespins,
from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride. I am from the dirt under the back porch. (Black, glistening,
it tasted like beets.)” I can smell the Clorox bleach from a mile away. I love how the author created a template for future writers to feel comfortable writing. I hear lots of imagery that comes from this poem; my classmates who presented their piece of writing utilized lots of imagery. For example, Tyfanni stated, “Outside smelled like rain.” At that moment, I can imagine myself being outside right now in the rain. This particular poem builds classroom community because it gives one another a glimpse into a person’s background and their life experiences. I could use this piece of writing to show students that they are able to write poetry by telling personal stories or life experiences. I will explain to students that not every poem has to rhyme; when focusing on rhyming it may sometimes take away from the meaning of writing a poem (Depending on the individual). This is appropriate for all grade levels. By hearing these poems, it makes me closer to my students and understand what they like and who they are.

[Arissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where I'm From by George Ella Lyon, an poem inside a book that tells the story of the home life of the author. It puts a realistic perspective on the memories a person has from when they were a child. Filled with imagery and a powerful voice the poem really puts us there and gives the audience the ability to see where a person actually came from. I loved this poem. I was different from ones I've ever heard previously. The author used the crafts of imagery and voice very well. I could almost smell the Clorox or the strong coffee. I could use this piece to show children that they can write poetry by simply telling their personal stories. Not every line in the poem has to rhyme. This could give me a sense of who my students are and they could share these pieces to learn about one another.

[Katie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where I'm From" poems force students to think about their communities and the direct impact those communities have on their day to day life. Using George Ella Lyon's poem as a template or mentor text for their own creations sets the tone of the activity and allows students to delve as deep or shallow as they wish. Using Where I'm From poems as an introduction to a unit about voice and how poets use their work to reflect on their own lives allows students to form a bond with poetry and feel the same feelings famous poets have felt when they present their own work. This activity also allows students to learn about one another and teachers to get a glimpse into what their students are facing at home.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tiny little book of terrific poems, but what makes it fun is that the author gives you somebackground to the story and structure of each poem, so when you read the poem it has immediate meaning.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for younger children. Great book to give leads and ideas for writing in writers work shop. Gives great descriptive detail.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem about how to write poetry from your heart and your experiences. Touching poetry intermixed with advice about writing your own.

[Branden]

This collection contains the "Where I'm From" poem that we've all probably seen in one form or another. In this poem, she describes the home she came from, the people she grew up with, and the beliefs they instilled in her, all of which contribute to her identity.

Filling in parts of this poem has become a common exercise in schools; it's a common mentor text and I can have my students do so in class.