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The Day the Universe Exploded My Head: Poems to Take You into Space and Back Again
Hang on tight for a raucous bounce through the solar system and back -- propelled by funny, fanciful, factually sound poems and exuberant illustrations.
The universe poured into me.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoked and glowed red-hot.
And then
it actually exploded.
Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.
The universe poured into me.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoked and glowed red-hot.
And then
it actually exploded.
Ever wonder what the sun has to say about being the closest star to Earth? Or what Pluto has gotten up to since being demoted to a dwarf planet? Or where rocket ships go when they retire? Listen closely, because maybe, just maybe, your head will explode, too. With poetry that is equal parts accurate and entertaining -- and illustrations that are positively out of this world -- this book will enthrall amateur stargazers and budding astrophysicists as it reveals many of the wonders our universe holds. Space travelers in search of more information will find notes about the poems, a glossary, and a list of resources at the end.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2019
2 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Allan Wolf
24 books129 followersA versatile writer, Allan Wolf's picture books, poetry collections, young adult novels, and nonfiction celebrate his love of research, history, science, and poetry. He is a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, two-time winner of the North Carolina Young Adult Book Award, and recipient of New York’s Bank Street College Claudia Lewis Award for Poetry. Booklist placed Allan’s The Watch That Ends the Night, on its list of the 50 Best YA Books of All Time.
Wolf believes in the healing powers of poetry recitation and has committed to memory nearly a thousand poems.
His newest titles include: a historical novel, (Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom); a picture book (The Blanket Where Violet Sits); a poetry collection (The Gift of the Broken Teacup); and a graphic novel (The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur).
Wolf believes in the healing powers of poetry recitation and has committed to memory nearly a thousand poems.
His newest titles include: a historical novel, (Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom); a picture book (The Blanket Where Violet Sits); a poetry collection (The Gift of the Broken Teacup); and a graphic novel (The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 16, 2019
Dammit, I’m sorry I selected this book for our public library. Winning title, cover appeal, fantastic illustrations, but the most plodding, dry, lackluster poems. The meter here was like a metronome, no ebb, no flow, no creative departures, etc. —a mechanical jaw chewing. The rhymes mostly felt incidental (were composed of filler phrases as opposed to key words), no punch. The poetry read like someone who didn’t like poetry was being asked to read it aloud. So I’m bummed. We don’t have a huge budget, and I love poetry, and I think kids will eagerly pick up this book based on the cover and title (it seems to promise humor...?) and then be bored, quit in the middle, and decide they don’t like poetry. The first book I’ve purchased for the library since *One True Way* that I sort of want to hide, let fall behind a shelf.
March 24, 2019
Every 5th grade teachers (and up) who teaches about space needs this book!
March 13, 2019
I appreciate the humor in these poems and the personification of the planets. While some poems work well, reading aloud with pizzazz, others are not as smooth or distinctive. These are chock-o-block full of scientific words, so best for slightly older audiences (ages 7-10).
October 5, 2020
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head shines the light on North Carolina-based author Allan Wolf and is a fun, informational text about the universe, solar system, and astronomy that is written in the form of poems. Through its use of humor and beautiful illustrations, this book tells the story of each of the planets, important people and moments in the history of space exploration, The Kennedy Space Center, and even includes a memorial page dedicated to those who have lost their lives traveling and exploring space. To top things off, space fanatics who wish to explore further can find notes, a glossary, and even a list of resources at the end.
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head would be a fantastic book to use with students in grades 3-7, or even higher. Not only will this book provide for cross-curricular opportunities between reading and science, but the various styles of poetry and figurative language make this text an amazing choice to support a poetry/figurative language unit in class. This book contains an abundance of rich vocabulary to assist in language development, and the colorful illustrations and playful personification expose the readers to facts in ways that are sure to keep them engaged.
I considered this a WOW book because I absolutely adored the method in which the author and illustrator presented the content. The sweet and fun-loving way he brought the planets to life and had them tell their personal story had me blown away! My favorite of course was Earth: Your Mother I’ll Be, but they were all so unique and creative that it was hard to choose. There are also many ways to engage students with this text, which is another reason I considered it a WOW book. For example, students can research space-related topics and write their own poems, create a new, imaginary planet and personify it to tell it’s personal story, or even pull other informational articles related to space to compare with the information presented in this book. Although this is a picture book, I think the content-rich vocabulary makes it a wonderful option for readers of all ages. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it; it is a true work of art!
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head would be a fantastic book to use with students in grades 3-7, or even higher. Not only will this book provide for cross-curricular opportunities between reading and science, but the various styles of poetry and figurative language make this text an amazing choice to support a poetry/figurative language unit in class. This book contains an abundance of rich vocabulary to assist in language development, and the colorful illustrations and playful personification expose the readers to facts in ways that are sure to keep them engaged.
I considered this a WOW book because I absolutely adored the method in which the author and illustrator presented the content. The sweet and fun-loving way he brought the planets to life and had them tell their personal story had me blown away! My favorite of course was Earth: Your Mother I’ll Be, but they were all so unique and creative that it was hard to choose. There are also many ways to engage students with this text, which is another reason I considered it a WOW book. For example, students can research space-related topics and write their own poems, create a new, imaginary planet and personify it to tell it’s personal story, or even pull other informational articles related to space to compare with the information presented in this book. Although this is a picture book, I think the content-rich vocabulary makes it a wonderful option for readers of all ages. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it; it is a true work of art!
November 13, 2020
This was such an exciting title, being a middle school math and science major I just had to read it! Then to my surprise, kids are reading about our incredible universe through different types of poetry, all the while soaking up tons of trivia and taking in illustrations of personified planets, meteors, stars, and rockets. This book will definitely cause children to aspire to be astronomers, astronauts, and physicists. If not to that extent, it will promote STEAM learning in students.
This informational text is humorous and keeps your interest throughout the entire compilation of stories. My favorite is the “The rusty rockets retirement garden.” I thought it was funny that the rockets ended up in a retirement home scenario and ended up telling stories about their past just like we hear from our grandparents when we visit them. This book can be used for so many different instructional purposes. Simply to teach students about the universe and scientists. Different types of poetry can be taught from the book in a cross-curricular unit with science where the student could then write their own poems about the universe they have learned about in science class that was not included in the book. Students could research the missions talked about from the “Rusty Rockets Retirement Garden” poem or the “Children of Astronomy” poem for another cross-curricular unit with social studies and bring history into the unit. I feel that the possibilities are endless. This was such a fun book that could span so many grade levels.
This was a WOW book for me as I said previously because I am a math and science major so this book immediately stuck out to me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each poem and thought they were entertaining and as well as informational. I will purchase this book for my personal library because I know my own kids will love this book for years to come.
This informational text is humorous and keeps your interest throughout the entire compilation of stories. My favorite is the “The rusty rockets retirement garden.” I thought it was funny that the rockets ended up in a retirement home scenario and ended up telling stories about their past just like we hear from our grandparents when we visit them. This book can be used for so many different instructional purposes. Simply to teach students about the universe and scientists. Different types of poetry can be taught from the book in a cross-curricular unit with science where the student could then write their own poems about the universe they have learned about in science class that was not included in the book. Students could research the missions talked about from the “Rusty Rockets Retirement Garden” poem or the “Children of Astronomy” poem for another cross-curricular unit with social studies and bring history into the unit. I feel that the possibilities are endless. This was such a fun book that could span so many grade levels.
This was a WOW book for me as I said previously because I am a math and science major so this book immediately stuck out to me. I thoroughly enjoyed reading each poem and thought they were entertaining and as well as informational. I will purchase this book for my personal library because I know my own kids will love this book for years to come.
April 2, 2019
Thanks to Candlewick for my advanced copy of this book!
Filled with so much poetry and facts about our universe, I understand why Allan Wolf's head exploded! Black and starry sky illustrations by Anna Raff stay in the background, showing other places (and things) as comical, amusing, oh so expressive creatures in the universe. Allan begins with the sun, "The simple truth may come as a surprise:/the closest star is right before your eyes." and carries us through a trip throughout our universe learning about the planets, their moons, comets and black holes, explains AU (astronomical units), offers a nod to space history, like Sputnik, eclipses, a page of early rockets, plus the long title poem of why and how the universe exploded Allan's head! Poems vary, with free verse and rhyme, some for two and three voices, brief shouts and longer ones that explain in clever wordsmithing about the topics. One favorite, "For Those Who Light The Candle" for the astronauts and cosmonauts who have given their lives to travel into space. ends with
"For all who dare escape this ball of clay.
these brave ascending angels light the way."
Endnotes include additional notes on the poems, a glossary of selected space terms, internet resources, and acknowledgments. The book holds an incredible amount of space knowledge in clever, non-fiction poems.
Filled with so much poetry and facts about our universe, I understand why Allan Wolf's head exploded! Black and starry sky illustrations by Anna Raff stay in the background, showing other places (and things) as comical, amusing, oh so expressive creatures in the universe. Allan begins with the sun, "The simple truth may come as a surprise:/the closest star is right before your eyes." and carries us through a trip throughout our universe learning about the planets, their moons, comets and black holes, explains AU (astronomical units), offers a nod to space history, like Sputnik, eclipses, a page of early rockets, plus the long title poem of why and how the universe exploded Allan's head! Poems vary, with free verse and rhyme, some for two and three voices, brief shouts and longer ones that explain in clever wordsmithing about the topics. One favorite, "For Those Who Light The Candle" for the astronauts and cosmonauts who have given their lives to travel into space. ends with
"For all who dare escape this ball of clay.
these brave ascending angels light the way."
Endnotes include additional notes on the poems, a glossary of selected space terms, internet resources, and acknowledgments. The book holds an incredible amount of space knowledge in clever, non-fiction poems.
June 24, 2019
Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...
THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD features cartoony planets and drawings along with poems on each page. Topical, clever, and with interesting facts built in, this book has broad appeal for older elementary schoolers. From the planets and their moons to black holes, eclipses, sputnik, and astronomers, this book covers broad topics with humor intertwined with facts.
I loved the poem about Mars's moons, Phobos and Deimos (gods of fear and terror), who think their names must be an error because they look like a "lima bean" and a "po-tater." Another great one was the one for the "Children of Astronomy," which begins with Galileo and even includes you and me. The poems are all full of fun and information that will appeal to the target audience.
What I loved: The poems are very clever with facts that add an educational component throughout. There's a lot to learn about the universe while laughing and giggling through the poems and the funny images. This book has broad appeal for poets, astronomers, and anyone who loves a laugh.
Final verdict: With humor, information, and fun illustrations, THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD is an enjoyable read for older elementary schoolers. Recommend for people who like space, science, poetry, or are just looking for something different.
THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD features cartoony planets and drawings along with poems on each page. Topical, clever, and with interesting facts built in, this book has broad appeal for older elementary schoolers. From the planets and their moons to black holes, eclipses, sputnik, and astronomers, this book covers broad topics with humor intertwined with facts.
I loved the poem about Mars's moons, Phobos and Deimos (gods of fear and terror), who think their names must be an error because they look like a "lima bean" and a "po-tater." Another great one was the one for the "Children of Astronomy," which begins with Galileo and even includes you and me. The poems are all full of fun and information that will appeal to the target audience.
What I loved: The poems are very clever with facts that add an educational component throughout. There's a lot to learn about the universe while laughing and giggling through the poems and the funny images. This book has broad appeal for poets, astronomers, and anyone who loves a laugh.
Final verdict: With humor, information, and fun illustrations, THE DAY THE UNIVERSE EXPLODED MY HEAD is an enjoyable read for older elementary schoolers. Recommend for people who like space, science, poetry, or are just looking for something different.
March 19, 2019
MY THOUGHTS:
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is set up like a picture book but is definitely not for picture book readers.
I would say this book is for a chapter book readership but because of the content, the beautiful artwork and engaging information, it needed this format to be truly appreciated. I would even go as far to say that it would make a great school library book.
The author approaches the topic of astronomy and science by writing information regarding the universe in verse. The illustrator adds fun artwork to compliment the verse and help with the understanding of the information the author provides. One would not succeed without the other so this dynamic team of writer/illustrator is perfect for this book.
Some of the wording is harder for first readers but should be okay for older children. This book is agreat resource for science/astronomy for schools and a perfect teaching tool. There are notes at the back to fill in some gaps that the author added.
Children will enjoy this book and find tons of information for them to absorb while turning the pages. It could create a larger interest in space, planets, stars, etc. as well. Parents of younger children interested in space could sit with their child and help with the harder parts, but overall, I’d say this book is educational, engaging and entertaining.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is set up like a picture book but is definitely not for picture book readers.
I would say this book is for a chapter book readership but because of the content, the beautiful artwork and engaging information, it needed this format to be truly appreciated. I would even go as far to say that it would make a great school library book.
The author approaches the topic of astronomy and science by writing information regarding the universe in verse. The illustrator adds fun artwork to compliment the verse and help with the understanding of the information the author provides. One would not succeed without the other so this dynamic team of writer/illustrator is perfect for this book.
Some of the wording is harder for first readers but should be okay for older children. This book is agreat resource for science/astronomy for schools and a perfect teaching tool. There are notes at the back to fill in some gaps that the author added.
Children will enjoy this book and find tons of information for them to absorb while turning the pages. It could create a larger interest in space, planets, stars, etc. as well. Parents of younger children interested in space could sit with their child and help with the harder parts, but overall, I’d say this book is educational, engaging and entertaining.
March 21, 2019
More nighttime moments than can be recalled are spent in gazing up and looking at the starry array spread across the sky. Depending on the time of year and the phrase of the moon, shapes formed by connecting lines are familiar companions, reminding us some things remain the same. There is a comfort in knowing how old and vast the universe is. To be a part, a very tiny part, of this majesty is rather like being a part, a very tiny part, of a wondrous mystery with clues being slowly revealed.
The more we learn about the universe in which we live, the more it astounds us. The Day The Universe Exploded My Head: Poems To Take You Into Space And Back Again (Candlewick Press, March 5, 2019) written by Allan Wolf with illustrations by Anna Raff is a melodic, meticulous and merry trek into outer space. Through rhythmic words and playful images, we are entertained and informed.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
The more we learn about the universe in which we live, the more it astounds us. The Day The Universe Exploded My Head: Poems To Take You Into Space And Back Again (Candlewick Press, March 5, 2019) written by Allan Wolf with illustrations by Anna Raff is a melodic, meticulous and merry trek into outer space. Through rhythmic words and playful images, we are entertained and informed.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
November 23, 2023
Title: The Day The Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolf and Anna Raff
Award: 2020 NCTE Notable book list
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Genre: Children's picturebook
This book was a 2020 NCTE Children’s anthology of space poems. Many people don’t think of science when they read poems, but it was a fun read, that had a fun and unique description of each planet, while being very informational at the same time. The book runs through the Solar System with beautiful illustrations and fun personifications of each planet and element of space. The illustrations worked in partnership with the words, where the text would become part of the artwork as well. I would suggest keeping this in a 5th-8th grade classroom library, and utilizing as a choral read-aloud if the page matter matches with a specific science lesson plan. It would be a great way for kids to view space as less abstract, as the concept can be difficult to grasp, especially to 5th and 6th graders.
Award: 2020 NCTE Notable book list
Publication date: March 5, 2019
Genre: Children's picturebook
This book was a 2020 NCTE Children’s anthology of space poems. Many people don’t think of science when they read poems, but it was a fun read, that had a fun and unique description of each planet, while being very informational at the same time. The book runs through the Solar System with beautiful illustrations and fun personifications of each planet and element of space. The illustrations worked in partnership with the words, where the text would become part of the artwork as well. I would suggest keeping this in a 5th-8th grade classroom library, and utilizing as a choral read-aloud if the page matter matches with a specific science lesson plan. It would be a great way for kids to view space as less abstract, as the concept can be difficult to grasp, especially to 5th and 6th graders.
Read
April 27, 2021Summary: This is a non-fiction book written in poems about the universe and all the planets in the solar system.
Response: I think this book is equally fun and informational. The author deciding to write in poems is a unique approach to a non-fiction book but I think it keeps kids engaged because it is more fun to read. The awesome thing is they are learning about the universe and about all the planets at the same time. The illustration in this book really brings the words to life! It is such a fun way to learn about the universe.
Application: I think this is a perfect book to use if you are doing a lesson on the solar system/universe! This book could also be used if you want to introduce non-fiction literature to your students, show them an example of how to use poetry, or even as a fun read.
Response: I think this book is equally fun and informational. The author deciding to write in poems is a unique approach to a non-fiction book but I think it keeps kids engaged because it is more fun to read. The awesome thing is they are learning about the universe and about all the planets at the same time. The illustration in this book really brings the words to life! It is such a fun way to learn about the universe.
Application: I think this is a perfect book to use if you are doing a lesson on the solar system/universe! This book could also be used if you want to introduce non-fiction literature to your students, show them an example of how to use poetry, or even as a fun read.
June 5, 2019
The Day the Universe Exploded My Head by Allan Wolf, illustrated by Anna Raff. POETRY PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2019. $18. 9780763680251
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Wolf has written and Raff has illustrated a host of very clever poems about the objects, forces, and people in our solar system. Included are two voice, three voice, and even four voice poems for group performance, but really every poem in here begs to be read aloud, sung aloud, rapped aloud. I can’t imagine a science class that wouldn’t be enhanced by these poems. And what a great idea for a cross-curricular activity.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Wolf has written and Raff has illustrated a host of very clever poems about the objects, forces, and people in our solar system. Included are two voice, three voice, and even four voice poems for group performance, but really every poem in here begs to be read aloud, sung aloud, rapped aloud. I can’t imagine a science class that wouldn’t be enhanced by these poems. And what a great idea for a cross-curricular activity.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
October 20, 2019
Stunning!!! Pictures were lovely, engaging, and fun, but poetry really stood up to its title: it absolutely blew me away! The rhythm, rhyme, and fact are all so spot on, so perfectly blended, we read it again and again and didn't want to return it to the library! My elementary school daughter was so excited to read the multi voice poems together. We had a BLAST with those! She was only disappointed that some needed more than two voices, til we decided Mommy (me) could do two different sounding voices for them. This was the best new book we found this year for my young readers, and I know we need our own copy now!
September 26, 2020
Listen to the sun brag about being the closest star, then go to a moon buffet in this amusing book of poems that “take you into space and back again.” Learn the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse as you read a poem for two voices as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Or rap with a friend as you learn about energy, and Astronomical Units (AU for short). Poems are written in a variety of styles from concrete to sonnet as the reader floats away on this informative delightful journey through our galaxy. Notes about each poem, including the facts that inspired them are included in the back pages of the book.
grades 2-4
grades 2-4
August 13, 2021
I’m an elementary school librarian, and this book was actually nominated for a children’s book award in my state.
I have over a thousand students in my building that I’m supposed to encourage, with a straight face, to read this piece of garbage at some point during the school year.
I don’t think that I can do it…these “poems” are so poorly written, that they are practically unreadable. They are not at all funny, interesting, or informative. They are, in fact, so bad that they actually discourage any interest in astronomy and space exploration.
I have over a thousand students in my building that I’m supposed to encourage, with a straight face, to read this piece of garbage at some point during the school year.
I don’t think that I can do it…these “poems” are so poorly written, that they are practically unreadable. They are not at all funny, interesting, or informative. They are, in fact, so bad that they actually discourage any interest in astronomy and space exploration.
September 24, 2023
This book of poems is all about space, and all of the planets. I like how in this book of poems some of them are in the form of readers theater, so this could be an opportunity for students to act out the poems/ practice reading poems aloud. This would be an awesome way to have ELA, and science together. One of the 5th grade Ohio standards is about space, so this would be great to read while students are learning about space. I would also use this book to have students write their own poems about a planet of their choice, or about space in general.
March 10, 2019
"The universe poured into me.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoke and glowed red-hot. And then
it actually exploded."
I read this entire book to my 8 year old in one sitting. We both loved the playful language, humor, and interesting facts embedded in every poem. Anyone interested in astronomy will find this a delightful read. Whimsical illustrations enhance the well chosen words to create a true work of art.
My brain was overloaded.
It smoke and glowed red-hot. And then
it actually exploded."
I read this entire book to my 8 year old in one sitting. We both loved the playful language, humor, and interesting facts embedded in every poem. Anyone interested in astronomy will find this a delightful read. Whimsical illustrations enhance the well chosen words to create a true work of art.
March 13, 2019
What a wonderful, wonderful books! Kids can learn about our incredible universe while they also learn about poetry, all the while soaking up tons of trivia and feasting their eyes on delightful illustrations. Author Allan Wolf and illustrator Anna Raff teamed up to produce a book about the universe that will delight young and old alike. Who knows? It might even aspire and encourage some would-be astronomers, astronauts and physicists.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
December 7, 2019
Thanks to Candlewick for the review copy in conjunction with the 2019 Cybils Awards.
Picture books written as poetry stuffed with nonfiction facts seem to be the new "it" genre. The Day the Universe Exploded My Head would make a wonderful mentor text for both a Language Arts lesson as well as an augment in a space unit in science. Very "en trend" with STEAM.
My favorite poem? "The Rocket Launch"
Picture books written as poetry stuffed with nonfiction facts seem to be the new "it" genre. The Day the Universe Exploded My Head would make a wonderful mentor text for both a Language Arts lesson as well as an augment in a space unit in science. Very "en trend" with STEAM.
My favorite poem? "The Rocket Launch"
September 11, 2021
In general, I am a big fan of Allan Wolf and his poetry. So I was excited to find a poetry book for the younger kids. All of the poems in here are fun and like his other non-fiction poetry his poems bring the facts to life by bringing objects to life. I would definitely use this book in my classroom in either a poetry lesson or a science lesson. Some of his poems for multiple voices would also be excellent for readers theatre and fluency practice. Overall - a great choice!
November 25, 2021
Genre: Poetry
Grade Level: 1-3
I liked how this collection was formatted, but the writing just wasn’t for me. Some of the poems had different “reader” or parts, which would be so fun in a classroom. I also know students would like how the poems were formatted to look like planets or were all over the place, like stars. Although this collection wasn’t for me, I think it could be useful in a classroom still.
Grade Level: 1-3
I liked how this collection was formatted, but the writing just wasn’t for me. Some of the poems had different “reader” or parts, which would be so fun in a classroom. I also know students would like how the poems were formatted to look like planets or were all over the place, like stars. Although this collection wasn’t for me, I think it could be useful in a classroom still.
May 21, 2019
A few standout poems:
"Shooting Stars: Perseid Meteor Shower (Poem for Three Meteors)"
"Venus: Cme Live with Me and Be My Lunch"
"Going the Distance (Rap for Two Voices)"
"The Rusty Rockets Retirement Garden: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida (Poem for Four Aging Rockets)"
Also includes a Glossary of Selected Space Terms and Internet Resources
"Shooting Stars: Perseid Meteor Shower (Poem for Three Meteors)"
"Venus: Cme Live with Me and Be My Lunch"
"Going the Distance (Rap for Two Voices)"
"The Rusty Rockets Retirement Garden: Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida (Poem for Four Aging Rockets)"
Also includes a Glossary of Selected Space Terms and Internet Resources
October 1, 2020
I purchased this for our high school library--thought it might be fun for students taking astronomy or in the poetry club to have a little bit of fun with these poems. The notes on the poems, the glossary of selected space terms, and the internet resources at the back of the book add to the educational value of the book.
April 10, 2019
Different kinds of poems take readers to and through the galaxy (and beyond). The poems for two voices are especially entertaining and engaging. Humor is sprinkled throughout in verse and illustration for all readers of all ages to enjoy.
December 13, 2019
Several poems for multiple readers, meant to be read/performed out loud. The rest are just a single voice.
The poem about the moon is about the moon being made of cheese, but the rest are serious astronomy. Good for a first intro to the solar system.
The poem about the moon is about the moon being made of cheese, but the rest are serious astronomy. Good for a first intro to the solar system.
Read
June 11, 2020I really liked the variety of poems found in this book! It would be an awesome book to have on hand for students to reference during a space unit for a different perspective on space, or for a poetry unit, or just to read aloud for fun!
February 21, 2024
Absolutely delightful, good STEM, good back matter, good poetry. Mostly light, but also a couple with a bit more weight, all juicy. Many referential allusions for the grown-ups, too: Saturn says "don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful.'
May 21, 2024
This book of poetry about our solar system and other outer space bodies is not only humorous, but informative. Grab a few props, encourage students to read with expression and intonation... they might impress you!
March 1, 2019
This was so fun to read! I would definitely recommend this for any middle graders interested in astronomy and/or poetry.
May 6, 2019
A collection of space poetry. Some for more than one voice. Cool illustrations enhance the text.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews