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Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes, and Anecdotes from A to Z
How can we make the world a better place?
This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.This second poetic collaboration from Irene Latham and Charles Waters builds upon themes of diversity and inclusiveness from their previous book Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship. Illustrations from Iranian-British artist Mehrdokht Amini offer readers a rich visual experience.
"Latham and Waters's personal stories are plainspoken and relatable . . . and the suggested actions, accessible. . . The approach creates multiple pathways for engagement. Extensive supplementary materials include an index of poetic forms."—starred, Publishers Weekly
This inspiring resource for middle-grade readers is organized as a dictionary; each entry presents a word related to creating a better world, such as ally, empathy, or respect. For each word, there is a poem, a quote from an inspiring person, a personal anecdote from the authors, and a "try it" prompt for an activity.This second poetic collaboration from Irene Latham and Charles Waters builds upon themes of diversity and inclusiveness from their previous book Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship. Illustrations from Iranian-British artist Mehrdokht Amini offer readers a rich visual experience.
"Latham and Waters's personal stories are plainspoken and relatable . . . and the suggested actions, accessible. . . The approach creates multiple pathways for engagement. Extensive supplementary materials include an index of poetic forms."—starred, Publishers Weekly
120 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2020
17 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Irene Latham
34 books143 followersIrene Latham is a poet and novelist who was born the middle child and first daughter of five kids.
Irene has lived all sorts of places and traveled worldwide. Since 1984 she has called Birmingham, Alabama, home.
She thinks growing up with three brothers was great preparation for raising her three sons. She also thinks getting a sister was one of the best things that has ever happened to her.
Irene is proud to be the only leftie in her family of origin AND in her current family.
According to Irene's Dr. Seuss' MY BOOK ABOUT ME, she has wanted to be writer since she was eight years old.
She also wanted to train a horse that her sister would ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby. That hasn't happened. Yet.
Irene didn't take a single writing course in college.
Irene has lived all sorts of places and traveled worldwide. Since 1984 she has called Birmingham, Alabama, home.
She thinks growing up with three brothers was great preparation for raising her three sons. She also thinks getting a sister was one of the best things that has ever happened to her.
Irene is proud to be the only leftie in her family of origin AND in her current family.
According to Irene's Dr. Seuss' MY BOOK ABOUT ME, she has wanted to be writer since she was eight years old.
She also wanted to train a horse that her sister would ride to victory in the Kentucky Derby. That hasn't happened. Yet.
Irene didn't take a single writing course in college.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
July 31, 2020
Great gift book for ages 8-18! It might also be fine for college students/young adults and also older adults. When I borrowed this book from the library in late February or early March (it’s the last checked out library book I’m getting to these many months later) I was expecting a picture book for preschoolers or early elementary school students. This book is much more advanced than that. I know that this is a children’s book but my opinion is that to get the full value of it, it’s best for older children, young adults, and also adults.
I love the format. It’s wonderfully illustrated with mostly full page illustrations with the text incorporated into the pictures. The art is glorious, fun, beautiful, and varied. Each letter has one to four words and for each word there is a poem (and the poem’s form is included, and I learned a LOT) and a quote (many are great) and a true life very short story about an event in their life or musings about something of importance to one of the authors, with a “Try it!” suggestion inspired by the biographical account.
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy or feel interested in this book’s contents but I did. When I was a kid/teen I would have loved this book. I avoided reading it and considered putting it with my library materials ready to return when the pandemic rules permit. I’m glad that I decided to read it.
The word open for the letter O is why this book is on my vegan shelf. I am thrilled. (This was a 5 star book for me before I got to the letter O.)
Unlike virtually all other “alphabet books” the X word was not a cheat, though not as well used/defined as I would have liked.
In the back of the book is an authors’ note, a list of the books and poems and speech referenced in the book, and a list of additional recommended books, a list of poetry resources, an index of poetic forms (47 of them!!! I wish I’d read that section first!), and gratitude lists that are the acknowledgments pages, and bios and photos of the two authors and the illustrator. Really there are two photos of the three book creators. Cute illustration at the end with them appearing in it!
The words: Acceptance, Ally, Belonging, Compassion, Courage, Create, Dialogue, Diversity, Dream, Empathy, Equality, Exercise, Experiment, Forgiveness, Freedom, Fuel, Gratitude, (Epitaph for) Hate, Hope, Humility, Intention, Justice, Kindness, Laughter, Listen, Love, Mindfulness, Nature, Netiquette, Open, Pause, Peace, Question, Reach, Release, Respect, Service, Shero, Team, Tenacity, Upstander, Voice, Vulnerable, (Bear) Witness, Wonder, Xenial, Yes, Zest
I’d be delighted to see this book as part of every family’s book collection, in every library, in every school/classroom, and in every psych treatment center (children, teens, adults,) youth centers, etc. It’s a great book for independent readers and also perfect for sharing and discussing. Highly recommended!
I love the format. It’s wonderfully illustrated with mostly full page illustrations with the text incorporated into the pictures. The art is glorious, fun, beautiful, and varied. Each letter has one to four words and for each word there is a poem (and the poem’s form is included, and I learned a LOT) and a quote (many are great) and a true life very short story about an event in their life or musings about something of importance to one of the authors, with a “Try it!” suggestion inspired by the biographical account.
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy or feel interested in this book’s contents but I did. When I was a kid/teen I would have loved this book. I avoided reading it and considered putting it with my library materials ready to return when the pandemic rules permit. I’m glad that I decided to read it.
The word open for the letter O is why this book is on my vegan shelf. I am thrilled. (This was a 5 star book for me before I got to the letter O.)
Unlike virtually all other “alphabet books” the X word was not a cheat, though not as well used/defined as I would have liked.
In the back of the book is an authors’ note, a list of the books and poems and speech referenced in the book, and a list of additional recommended books, a list of poetry resources, an index of poetic forms (47 of them!!! I wish I’d read that section first!), and gratitude lists that are the acknowledgments pages, and bios and photos of the two authors and the illustrator. Really there are two photos of the three book creators. Cute illustration at the end with them appearing in it!
The words: Acceptance, Ally, Belonging, Compassion, Courage, Create, Dialogue, Diversity, Dream, Empathy, Equality, Exercise, Experiment, Forgiveness, Freedom, Fuel, Gratitude, (Epitaph for) Hate, Hope, Humility, Intention, Justice, Kindness, Laughter, Listen, Love, Mindfulness, Nature, Netiquette, Open, Pause, Peace, Question, Reach, Release, Respect, Service, Shero, Team, Tenacity, Upstander, Voice, Vulnerable, (Bear) Witness, Wonder, Xenial, Yes, Zest
I’d be delighted to see this book as part of every family’s book collection, in every library, in every school/classroom, and in every psych treatment center (children, teens, adults,) youth centers, etc. It’s a great book for independent readers and also perfect for sharing and discussing. Highly recommended!
October 12, 2019
First of all, a HUGE thank you to the folks who let me see a very early copy of this February 2020 release. To be among the first few classroom teachers here at Goodreads to see the new book by Irene Latham and Charles Waters (this is the creative duo who gave us CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? POEMS OF RACE, MISTAKES, AND FRIENDSHIP) is a privilege in every way that taking an early look at a book many will be buzzing about in a few months can be. I am grateful.
When early looks at the new collection from Carol C. Hinz and Lerner Books crossed my Twitter stream, I knew I had to do whatever I could to see the rest of the book. Right now before I would return to school and lose an opportunity to take a deep look and to give due review to the work.
Classroom teachers looking for a resource wherein young readers could experience and encounter, be engaged with, begin to emulate and become to energized by words familiar and unfamiliar within personal efficacy and social awareness, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z is that book.
First of all. . .from the start. . .the illustrations and packaging (what I could see in digital) is simply stunning. Mehrdokht Amni (CRESCENT MOONS AND POINTED MINARETS: A MUSLIM BOOK OF SHAPES) creates collage within collage of color blocking and paper cutting and mixed media that is visually arresting. As a collage artist, I am drawn to the visual part of this new book. There is a sort of nod to books like Paul B. Janezcko's FIREFLY SUMMER (with Melissa Sweet) and Kwame Alexander's HOW TO READ A BOOK (also with Melissa Sweet) from the feel of the cover and the title page.
Opening quotes presented in white ink upon a black field brings the reader into the "dictionary" via the ideas of Rumi and Nelson Mandela. In this light, the book becomes a gate fold title for its invitation to invite child, middle grade, and young adult readers to consider further works that have been developed for each age group. These two invitations start to move the reader into a sense of what one is able to do in the effort to create a better world. The suggestion here is that this will be an interactive text wherein the reader will be invited to reflect upon his, her, or their role(s) in creating a "better world."
If we were expecting a thirty-two page ABC book, the authors and the publisher have a surprise for the reader. Over 124 pages making this a substantial text in the presentation of poetry to young readers. We also see within the Table of Contents the peritext that will appear throughout the book guiding the reader through the fifty pieces offered by the poets. Readers note that poems presented in red are those written by Latham with the blue poems assigned to Waters. Poems that are presented in purple are those written in collaboration.
Wait. Hold on. OVER FIFTY PIECES to consider. This is a larger-than-usual poetry collection by today's standard thirty-two pages. And the first thing readers will note is that this book does not present in strict abecedarian order. If the poets needed to spend more time with a letter, they have done this with some letters representing multiple pieces.
Of the subjects presented within the collection (but not limited to) are: dialogue, diversity, gratitude, humility, intention, justice, mindfulness, netiquette, sheroes, tenacity, vulnerable, and xenial.
The first poem, "Words for a Better World," does present as abecedarian and introduces the reader to this word and how it works as a drive for the first poem's form and presentation. Each poem that follows takes its own spread within the book. The formula for the presentation is the poem, the poetic form in smaller font as peritext in verso, with a quote by a well-known figure to many adults (but not to all young readers inviting, further, opportunities to pull supplemental text to introduce the room to the figure being quoted). The presence of allusion here might invite the classroom teacher to poll the room to see if there is "residential expertise" in naming and identifying the figure in the quoted material. The quote is followed by a reflection by one of the authors on recto. The reflection by the author is then followed by an invitation to the reader to think, do, or be something related to the term presented by the word, the poem, the quote, and the poet's reflection material.
The wraparound presentation of the various text types coupled with invitations to actively consider, create, or compose will be familiar to those who have read and shared Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's POEMS ARE TEACHERS (Heinemann)or the resources offered by Dr. Sylvia Vardell and Dr. Janet Wong within their offerings at Pomelo Books.
In this light, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD becomes a all-in-one, ready-for-the-classroom opportunity to synthesize multiple texts and point of view (including the reader's own).
The poet's reflections are all at once personal and poignant. . .and presented with a sense of humility and vulnerability. The poets present as most human within these short, one-paragraph prosaic pieces that create a sort of relationship with the reader that harkens back to the opening quotes in the work. Both Irene and Charles share experiences of family, faith, and school. They speak of misunderstandings and reconciliations. They speak of privileges and perceptions. They speak of memory and regret and gratitude. They talk about friendship and the work they have done together. The poets are here to do the work along with the reader and present only as experts in poetic form and composition. In the reflections, they share in earnest and present to the reader their own experiences and work-throughs in the work that is being asked of the audience for this book.
In this light, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD is probably not a book that could be "read-through" and shelved. For its depth in both page count and pieces, this is a sustaining resource book that might be shared the way a classroom teacher might share Charles R. Smith Jr.'s 28 DAYS: MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (with illustrations by Shane Evans). What's more, like any "dictionary," the classroom teacher could share from the extended work by showcasing a term or a quality as it might present in the outside reading or discussions within the room.
I want to pause in the review to celebrate, once again, Mehrdokht Amni's work in this book. Absolutely striking and the mood of the term and its poetic presentation is brought to living, visual text by the artist. An instance of the "concrete" nature of the illustrator's work is found in "Humility" with spreads across the top of the page with the second I presenting as "i" which invites the reader to consider the illustrator's choice (an extension here in the classroom might be Bob Raczka's WET CONCRETE). Some of the more striking representations within the book, for this responded, are the paper cuts that lift words from the page or present "paper doll"-like figures who stand in place and cast shadows. The artist's due care in matching visual to verse reminds this respondent of J. Ruth Gendler's THE BOOK OF QUALITIES.
The Authors Note from the two authors reveal to the reader how the book came together and the authors speak honestly again about how stretching out in poetic forms pushed them out of their comfort zones. I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands to review all of the forms (which are listed in index at the back of the collection). There were forms here that this respondent could review (I won't list them here for fear of embarrassment of not knowing a particular form that others find common in their practice). But, "The Bop?" "Cherita?" "Skinny?" We all have something to learn from A DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD.
Classroom teachers looking for a collection that not only taps and challenges thinking toward active participation in making the world better but furthers opportunities for reading will appreciate this: In addition to the allusions within the collection and the invitations to read sprinkled throughout the fifty pieces, the authors have included an index of further reading of titles both in canon and contemporary. Classroom teachers looking for reading lists of this type will not be disappointed with what the authors and publishers provide here.
The poetic reading list made me miss "Dear One" Lee Bennett Hopkins as the two authors share so many names and titles that could have been found in any LBH anthology. There is a nice mix of poets and titles here from which classroom teachers can draw or borrow from their building's library.
I've not talked too much about the pieces within the collection because I want my classroom teacher friends to discover the rich poetry on their own and with their classrooms. This is a gorgeous collection with an early in 2020 release date that might situate the book within proximity of National Poetry Month (offering time for the classroom teacher to review and to plan). Or the book might be an anchor text for the fourth quarter as students are continuing to move into the flow of the year while actively looking forward to the one coming.
I'm a greedy reviewer. I tend to sponge after my own heart. I wanted to see this book. And the people behind it made it happen for me. I see so many friends listed in this book, it warms my heart even when I am not holding the book against that space right now. This collection will be a treasure and situates Latham and Waters as a collaboration to watch.
More important than any of this is that we have a book, accessible to multiple ages, that encourages active reflection even if it means stalling active participation. The book presents an opportunity to read and to consider in the interest of creating new opportunities to serve this world in the interest of making it better. What we have coming in early 2020 is a new poetry collection poised to sit among so many venerable and good collections for children with a goal toward engaging, embracing, and eventually energizing young people to name their own particular role in making this a better world. The poems will do their work in the micro-setting of the classroom. In time, that work will begin to affect the mezzo-setting of a school. One day, the sharing of this collection might mean affecting the macro-setting of a world made better because young people read. Because teachers shared. Because teachers had a resource like DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z.
Thank you again to representatives from Lerner Books who graciously allowed me to have an early look at this title.
Five stars. Highly-recommended.
When early looks at the new collection from Carol C. Hinz and Lerner Books crossed my Twitter stream, I knew I had to do whatever I could to see the rest of the book. Right now before I would return to school and lose an opportunity to take a deep look and to give due review to the work.
Classroom teachers looking for a resource wherein young readers could experience and encounter, be engaged with, begin to emulate and become to energized by words familiar and unfamiliar within personal efficacy and social awareness, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z is that book.
First of all. . .from the start. . .the illustrations and packaging (what I could see in digital) is simply stunning. Mehrdokht Amni (CRESCENT MOONS AND POINTED MINARETS: A MUSLIM BOOK OF SHAPES) creates collage within collage of color blocking and paper cutting and mixed media that is visually arresting. As a collage artist, I am drawn to the visual part of this new book. There is a sort of nod to books like Paul B. Janezcko's FIREFLY SUMMER (with Melissa Sweet) and Kwame Alexander's HOW TO READ A BOOK (also with Melissa Sweet) from the feel of the cover and the title page.
Opening quotes presented in white ink upon a black field brings the reader into the "dictionary" via the ideas of Rumi and Nelson Mandela. In this light, the book becomes a gate fold title for its invitation to invite child, middle grade, and young adult readers to consider further works that have been developed for each age group. These two invitations start to move the reader into a sense of what one is able to do in the effort to create a better world. The suggestion here is that this will be an interactive text wherein the reader will be invited to reflect upon his, her, or their role(s) in creating a "better world."
If we were expecting a thirty-two page ABC book, the authors and the publisher have a surprise for the reader. Over 124 pages making this a substantial text in the presentation of poetry to young readers. We also see within the Table of Contents the peritext that will appear throughout the book guiding the reader through the fifty pieces offered by the poets. Readers note that poems presented in red are those written by Latham with the blue poems assigned to Waters. Poems that are presented in purple are those written in collaboration.
Wait. Hold on. OVER FIFTY PIECES to consider. This is a larger-than-usual poetry collection by today's standard thirty-two pages. And the first thing readers will note is that this book does not present in strict abecedarian order. If the poets needed to spend more time with a letter, they have done this with some letters representing multiple pieces.
Of the subjects presented within the collection (but not limited to) are: dialogue, diversity, gratitude, humility, intention, justice, mindfulness, netiquette, sheroes, tenacity, vulnerable, and xenial.
The first poem, "Words for a Better World," does present as abecedarian and introduces the reader to this word and how it works as a drive for the first poem's form and presentation. Each poem that follows takes its own spread within the book. The formula for the presentation is the poem, the poetic form in smaller font as peritext in verso, with a quote by a well-known figure to many adults (but not to all young readers inviting, further, opportunities to pull supplemental text to introduce the room to the figure being quoted). The presence of allusion here might invite the classroom teacher to poll the room to see if there is "residential expertise" in naming and identifying the figure in the quoted material. The quote is followed by a reflection by one of the authors on recto. The reflection by the author is then followed by an invitation to the reader to think, do, or be something related to the term presented by the word, the poem, the quote, and the poet's reflection material.
The wraparound presentation of the various text types coupled with invitations to actively consider, create, or compose will be familiar to those who have read and shared Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's POEMS ARE TEACHERS (Heinemann)or the resources offered by Dr. Sylvia Vardell and Dr. Janet Wong within their offerings at Pomelo Books.
In this light, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD becomes a all-in-one, ready-for-the-classroom opportunity to synthesize multiple texts and point of view (including the reader's own).
The poet's reflections are all at once personal and poignant. . .and presented with a sense of humility and vulnerability. The poets present as most human within these short, one-paragraph prosaic pieces that create a sort of relationship with the reader that harkens back to the opening quotes in the work. Both Irene and Charles share experiences of family, faith, and school. They speak of misunderstandings and reconciliations. They speak of privileges and perceptions. They speak of memory and regret and gratitude. They talk about friendship and the work they have done together. The poets are here to do the work along with the reader and present only as experts in poetic form and composition. In the reflections, they share in earnest and present to the reader their own experiences and work-throughs in the work that is being asked of the audience for this book.
In this light, DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD is probably not a book that could be "read-through" and shelved. For its depth in both page count and pieces, this is a sustaining resource book that might be shared the way a classroom teacher might share Charles R. Smith Jr.'s 28 DAYS: MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD (with illustrations by Shane Evans). What's more, like any "dictionary," the classroom teacher could share from the extended work by showcasing a term or a quality as it might present in the outside reading or discussions within the room.
I want to pause in the review to celebrate, once again, Mehrdokht Amni's work in this book. Absolutely striking and the mood of the term and its poetic presentation is brought to living, visual text by the artist. An instance of the "concrete" nature of the illustrator's work is found in "Humility" with spreads across the top of the page with the second I presenting as "i" which invites the reader to consider the illustrator's choice (an extension here in the classroom might be Bob Raczka's WET CONCRETE). Some of the more striking representations within the book, for this responded, are the paper cuts that lift words from the page or present "paper doll"-like figures who stand in place and cast shadows. The artist's due care in matching visual to verse reminds this respondent of J. Ruth Gendler's THE BOOK OF QUALITIES.
The Authors Note from the two authors reveal to the reader how the book came together and the authors speak honestly again about how stretching out in poetic forms pushed them out of their comfort zones. I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands to review all of the forms (which are listed in index at the back of the collection). There were forms here that this respondent could review (I won't list them here for fear of embarrassment of not knowing a particular form that others find common in their practice). But, "The Bop?" "Cherita?" "Skinny?" We all have something to learn from A DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD.
Classroom teachers looking for a collection that not only taps and challenges thinking toward active participation in making the world better but furthers opportunities for reading will appreciate this: In addition to the allusions within the collection and the invitations to read sprinkled throughout the fifty pieces, the authors have included an index of further reading of titles both in canon and contemporary. Classroom teachers looking for reading lists of this type will not be disappointed with what the authors and publishers provide here.
The poetic reading list made me miss "Dear One" Lee Bennett Hopkins as the two authors share so many names and titles that could have been found in any LBH anthology. There is a nice mix of poets and titles here from which classroom teachers can draw or borrow from their building's library.
I've not talked too much about the pieces within the collection because I want my classroom teacher friends to discover the rich poetry on their own and with their classrooms. This is a gorgeous collection with an early in 2020 release date that might situate the book within proximity of National Poetry Month (offering time for the classroom teacher to review and to plan). Or the book might be an anchor text for the fourth quarter as students are continuing to move into the flow of the year while actively looking forward to the one coming.
I'm a greedy reviewer. I tend to sponge after my own heart. I wanted to see this book. And the people behind it made it happen for me. I see so many friends listed in this book, it warms my heart even when I am not holding the book against that space right now. This collection will be a treasure and situates Latham and Waters as a collaboration to watch.
More important than any of this is that we have a book, accessible to multiple ages, that encourages active reflection even if it means stalling active participation. The book presents an opportunity to read and to consider in the interest of creating new opportunities to serve this world in the interest of making it better. What we have coming in early 2020 is a new poetry collection poised to sit among so many venerable and good collections for children with a goal toward engaging, embracing, and eventually energizing young people to name their own particular role in making this a better world. The poems will do their work in the micro-setting of the classroom. In time, that work will begin to affect the mezzo-setting of a school. One day, the sharing of this collection might mean affecting the macro-setting of a world made better because young people read. Because teachers shared. Because teachers had a resource like DICTIONARY FOR A BETTER WORLD: POEMS, QUOTES, AND ANECDOTES FROM A TO Z.
Thank you again to representatives from Lerner Books who graciously allowed me to have an early look at this title.
Five stars. Highly-recommended.
July 15, 2020
What a wonderful book! 50 alphabetical spread-long entries for words such as Dialogue, Hate, Peace, and Vulnerable, each composed of 5 parts: a short poem, a definition of the poem's form, a related quote from a famous person or book, a paragraph in which one of the two authors discusses what the word means to them, and a "Try It!" prompt to put the idea into action; plus wonderful illustrations and art design. So much variety within the format, of tone, style, and topic. So many layers of ways to encounter the book and consider the topics. I want to buy it for my kids when they are old enough.
November 5, 2022
Loved it! This is inspiring poetry, written in many diverse formats, with human stories, quotes and advice. Everything is so perfect in this collection. The art matches the poem beautifully. Topics arrive alphabetically, but the book doesn't feel like the alphabet drove the thought. Rather, the book simply arranged poems in this dictionary style order.
There is so much interconnection in this book. I felt guilty reading it all at once. This book can be used for waking up each morning with some profound new thought of motivation and enlightenment. I must add my 'self-help' shelf to this book.
I also will add my 'education' shelf. Teachers will surely love this. Each poem takes on a new style. Abecedarian style starts the collection, where each line begins with the first letter of the alphabet and continues with letters in successive order.
Awash in attempts to help cool our fevered world, we
Begin simply with words. We savor syllables,
Consider history and meaning. We forge ahead with
Determination, trying to do what's right, though
Each step is filled with uncertainty.
This first poem alone could be a poster for a wall at school! The positive messages here show the enthusiasm by the writers for poetry and living in harmony on earth together.
Each poem comes with:
1. Poem
2. Type of poem/explained
3. Quote by someone famous
4. Irene or Charles writes a personal experience that matches
5. "Try it" advice to put this into action
6. Incredibly relevant artwork
Example:
Nature
rain taps face
as black-capped chickadee sings -
morning baptism
Haiku: a Japanese form traditionally evoking images of the natural world. Some have seventeen syllables in three lines of five/seven/five, although that's not a mandatory rule.
Quote by Anne Frank, regarding being happy outside amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Charles says... (he talks how he likes walking in the rain w/ umbrella, and the sound of birds chirping.
Try it! Go to a park. Take a walk or ride a bike.
Artwork: chickadee on a branch behind the poem, and person with umbrella smiling on opposite page
There is an excellent bibliography and additional resources in the back.
This is a 6* book for me that goes immediately into my all-time-favorites.
I hope every school is using this in their classrooms from grades K-12.
This belongs in every library!
There is so much interconnection in this book. I felt guilty reading it all at once. This book can be used for waking up each morning with some profound new thought of motivation and enlightenment. I must add my 'self-help' shelf to this book.
I also will add my 'education' shelf. Teachers will surely love this. Each poem takes on a new style. Abecedarian style starts the collection, where each line begins with the first letter of the alphabet and continues with letters in successive order.
Awash in attempts to help cool our fevered world, we
Begin simply with words. We savor syllables,
Consider history and meaning. We forge ahead with
Determination, trying to do what's right, though
Each step is filled with uncertainty.
This first poem alone could be a poster for a wall at school! The positive messages here show the enthusiasm by the writers for poetry and living in harmony on earth together.
Each poem comes with:
1. Poem
2. Type of poem/explained
3. Quote by someone famous
4. Irene or Charles writes a personal experience that matches
5. "Try it" advice to put this into action
6. Incredibly relevant artwork
Example:
Nature
rain taps face
as black-capped chickadee sings -
morning baptism
Haiku: a Japanese form traditionally evoking images of the natural world. Some have seventeen syllables in three lines of five/seven/five, although that's not a mandatory rule.
Quote by Anne Frank, regarding being happy outside amidst the simple beauty of nature.
Charles says... (he talks how he likes walking in the rain w/ umbrella, and the sound of birds chirping.
Try it! Go to a park. Take a walk or ride a bike.
Artwork: chickadee on a branch behind the poem, and person with umbrella smiling on opposite page
There is an excellent bibliography and additional resources in the back.
This is a 6* book for me that goes immediately into my all-time-favorites.
I hope every school is using this in their classrooms from grades K-12.
This belongs in every library!
December 4, 2019
Full Review is coming soon !!
FULL REVIEW
DISCLAIMER : I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group & Carolrhoda Books for providing the ARC copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for providing me with the ARC of this book. This book was an amazing experience for me. I rarely read poetry and having seen this book as poetry for kids, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about it. The format is very interesting and the different forms of poems in this book gave me a uniquely enjoyable and insightful experience. The way it's written and the themes that are present in the book are very much relatable and irrespective of the age you can enjoy it. The thought-provoking topics and content add to the beauty of it. The creativity that goes into crafting various poetry forms and then collecting them together complemented by information about the type of poem it is and also thoughts from the authors makes the reading experience wonderful. I loved the assembling of the words in their alphabetical order and how they bring forward important life-related topics that are relatable to people of all ages. These poems inspire goodness, zest for life, positive attitude, and awareness to the readers. The concept and the execution of it were excellent. I loved every single moment of reading it and the feelings it elicited in me. This is a definite recommendation for anyone who loves poems and loves social constructs included in the poems. I highly recommend checking it out. I have given it 5 stars and would love to get my hands on a finished copy of the book.
FULL REVIEW
DISCLAIMER : I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group & Carolrhoda Books for providing the ARC copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you Netgalley and Lerner Publishing Group for providing me with the ARC of this book. This book was an amazing experience for me. I rarely read poetry and having seen this book as poetry for kids, I was intrigued and wanted to know more about it. The format is very interesting and the different forms of poems in this book gave me a uniquely enjoyable and insightful experience. The way it's written and the themes that are present in the book are very much relatable and irrespective of the age you can enjoy it. The thought-provoking topics and content add to the beauty of it. The creativity that goes into crafting various poetry forms and then collecting them together complemented by information about the type of poem it is and also thoughts from the authors makes the reading experience wonderful. I loved the assembling of the words in their alphabetical order and how they bring forward important life-related topics that are relatable to people of all ages. These poems inspire goodness, zest for life, positive attitude, and awareness to the readers. The concept and the execution of it were excellent. I loved every single moment of reading it and the feelings it elicited in me. This is a definite recommendation for anyone who loves poems and loves social constructs included in the poems. I highly recommend checking it out. I have given it 5 stars and would love to get my hands on a finished copy of the book.
November 21, 2019
This is a colorful, creative book with a great premise: It's an A-to-Z dictionary of words that are all about equality and empathy and other great things for kids to learn. Each entry is made into some sort of poem about the word (with some letters getting more than one word and poem) and then there are calls to action about how to embody those attributes. Written by a man and woman from very different backgrounds, it offers diversity of experience. The poems are in all different forms and it also teaches you about all of the poem types.
The art that illustrates the book is my favorite part. I like the bright colors and the way some spreads remind me of the collage style of Eric Carle. Other times it's more photographs. It's happy, bold artwork that works well for the content.
That said, the book feels crowded and the layout almost seems like ad copy. It's clearly designed for older kids because it's LONG and wordy, but I don't know how many middle school kids are actually going to sit and read a dictionary of ways to be better people, even with colorful art and lots of happy exclamations. And any kids of that age who really are drawn to this are probably already the kind of kids who are empathetic and appreciate diversity, and don't really need a big book designed to make them into better people. It feels a bit preachy, and honestly most of the young people I know these days are already far better at respecting diversity, accepting others, caring about the world and being good people than the older people like those of my generation who are running the world into the ground. I'm a little annoyed at how many picture books I've seen this year aimed at getting kids concerned about climate change for example, when most kids I know are already terrified of it and taking action (teens included) while the older folks twiddle their thumbs and make it all worse. Maybe we should stop trying to improve children so much and improve the world we're giving them, and just give them some fun books to simply entertain them for a while. Kids these days need that more than anything, I think.
This is a nice book, colorful and well meaning. I just wish we could start marketing a better world to the old folks in power instead once or twice.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
The art that illustrates the book is my favorite part. I like the bright colors and the way some spreads remind me of the collage style of Eric Carle. Other times it's more photographs. It's happy, bold artwork that works well for the content.
That said, the book feels crowded and the layout almost seems like ad copy. It's clearly designed for older kids because it's LONG and wordy, but I don't know how many middle school kids are actually going to sit and read a dictionary of ways to be better people, even with colorful art and lots of happy exclamations. And any kids of that age who really are drawn to this are probably already the kind of kids who are empathetic and appreciate diversity, and don't really need a big book designed to make them into better people. It feels a bit preachy, and honestly most of the young people I know these days are already far better at respecting diversity, accepting others, caring about the world and being good people than the older people like those of my generation who are running the world into the ground. I'm a little annoyed at how many picture books I've seen this year aimed at getting kids concerned about climate change for example, when most kids I know are already terrified of it and taking action (teens included) while the older folks twiddle their thumbs and make it all worse. Maybe we should stop trying to improve children so much and improve the world we're giving them, and just give them some fun books to simply entertain them for a while. Kids these days need that more than anything, I think.
This is a nice book, colorful and well meaning. I just wish we could start marketing a better world to the old folks in power instead once or twice.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
December 22, 2020
This book has everything -- poems, short essays responding to the poems/topics, quotes, a book list, and GORGEOUS illustrations. Perfect for browsing, using as a mentor text, and lifting your spirits.
June 22, 2020
This book would be a great way to start the school year - A-Z Counting Up to an Inclusive Community! Also, identifies a variety of different poems to help teach kids about poetry. The anecdotes remind me of the power of story - "Try It" invites new stories.
June 24, 2023
I checked this book out from our local library.
I love this book! This book was a delight to read and an excellent way to introduce poetry to young readers. Each letter of the alphabet has a poem on creating a better world. It discusses words like peace, empathy, diversity, kindness and so many more. While reading, each poem gives the teacher prompts to use with the students related to the word. This can be helpful for students so they can see how it can be applied in the real world. The book can also connect to young readers by learning the meaning of how to be a better person in our world. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and eye-catching. The image gives the poem meaning, and the reader can connect with each verse.
I love this book! This book was a delight to read and an excellent way to introduce poetry to young readers. Each letter of the alphabet has a poem on creating a better world. It discusses words like peace, empathy, diversity, kindness and so many more. While reading, each poem gives the teacher prompts to use with the students related to the word. This can be helpful for students so they can see how it can be applied in the real world. The book can also connect to young readers by learning the meaning of how to be a better person in our world. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and eye-catching. The image gives the poem meaning, and the reader can connect with each verse.
February 4, 2020
I'm impressed with this book -- not only does it address an important topic with such a calm openness that invites thought and discussion and action, it also teaches about poetry as a whole and in multiple forms, as well as include quotes from other writers and thinkers, mini personal reflections, and simple suggestions of ways to put the ideas into action. I don't know how they managed to pack all that in and still offer up an easy to engage with book. I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for other books these authors create together. And I can't wait to try my hand at a few of the new-to-me poetry forms. Thanks for all the effort to bring this book to publication! I've already recommended it (in detail) to at least four people.
September 1, 2020
What a gem of a book! I enjoyed the poems, quotes, and anecdotes, but I especially appreciated the Try It part for each word. Its title - Dictionary For A Better World - couldn't be more appropriate. This is a book that has great potential to make a difference.
January 11, 2021
I don't usually like ABC books, but this one is truly an exceptionally unique dictionary. And it proved to be source of great comfort, hope, and inspiration to me and some of my young readers during the past year. And let's face it, 2020 was a difficult year for all of us for so many reasons, and 2021 isn't getting off to a great start either.
Using a variety of poetic forms (each of which are defined for the reader), the authors explore ways that ordinary people can make the world a better place. Each letter of the alphabet includes a concept poem on the left facing page by either Irene Latham or Charles Waters, while on the right facing page are quotes by diverse people, a personal anecdote by the author relating to the poem, and a Try It! suggestion for the reader to use the poem's concept in their own lives.
There is a table of contents that indicates who wrote which poem - those in red are by Latham, those in blue are by Waters and these color designations may be the only thing I didn't like - too close to the pink is for girls, blue is for boys stereotype.
Some of the concepts explored by the authors are acceptance, courage, diversity, empathy, hope, justice, peace, respect, and (bear) witness. Some of the letters in the alphabet have more than one entry, and some poems are better than others, but all are very thought provoking.
The colorful and very stylized illustrations are done with acrylic, digital painting, collage, and photography. Back matter includes an Author's Note, a list of the Books, Poems, and Speech Referenced, Additional Recommended Books, and Poetry Resources.
Dictionary for a Better World is a book that parents and teachers will find so relevant for today's world and for helping students not only understand it, but for helping them understand that they can make a difference, and make the world a better place in which to live. Highly recommended.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was an EARC gratefully received from NetGalley
Using a variety of poetic forms (each of which are defined for the reader), the authors explore ways that ordinary people can make the world a better place. Each letter of the alphabet includes a concept poem on the left facing page by either Irene Latham or Charles Waters, while on the right facing page are quotes by diverse people, a personal anecdote by the author relating to the poem, and a Try It! suggestion for the reader to use the poem's concept in their own lives.
There is a table of contents that indicates who wrote which poem - those in red are by Latham, those in blue are by Waters and these color designations may be the only thing I didn't like - too close to the pink is for girls, blue is for boys stereotype.
Some of the concepts explored by the authors are acceptance, courage, diversity, empathy, hope, justice, peace, respect, and (bear) witness. Some of the letters in the alphabet have more than one entry, and some poems are better than others, but all are very thought provoking.
The colorful and very stylized illustrations are done with acrylic, digital painting, collage, and photography. Back matter includes an Author's Note, a list of the Books, Poems, and Speech Referenced, Additional Recommended Books, and Poetry Resources.
Dictionary for a Better World is a book that parents and teachers will find so relevant for today's world and for helping students not only understand it, but for helping them understand that they can make a difference, and make the world a better place in which to live. Highly recommended.
This book is recommended for readers age 8+
This book was an EARC gratefully received from NetGalley
June 21, 2020
This is a GORGEOUS book written by Irene Latham and Charles Waters (the Can I Touch Your Hair?: Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship team) and beautifully illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini. There is lots packed in here - definitions of various form of poetry, powerful quotes, author reflections, and inspirational poems. This is a must have for classroom and school libraries! Read for Book Love Foundation Summer Book Club 2020.
July 7, 2020
EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS.
For the poetry.
For the illustrations.
For the person commentary from the authors.
For what it would mean if people took this message to heart, especially with their children.
I think this would be a fun book to work through with kids, going letter by letter. There is a "Try It!" with every word and would be a good exercise to do with a young reader (and the adult reader too).
For the poetry.
For the illustrations.
For the person commentary from the authors.
For what it would mean if people took this message to heart, especially with their children.
I think this would be a fun book to work through with kids, going letter by letter. There is a "Try It!" with every word and would be a good exercise to do with a young reader (and the adult reader too).
January 30, 2022
A great addition to an elementary/middle school child’s library. I would have loved all the illustrations and different poem forms as a kid. One of my favorite parts is the quotes from other books/writers and the glossary of different types of poetry formats - love a book that points students to more books and creative experimenting.
The topics are inclusive and great starting places for thoughtful convos.
The topics are inclusive and great starting places for thoughtful convos.
June 8, 2020
I loved the poems. I loved the quotes. I loved the explanations of the form and poets’ story behind the poems. I even loved the try it that accompanied each poem. I will definitely use this in the classroom and share with young people in my life. Heck I’m going to share them with any people in my life ❤️
January 11, 2021
I chose this for the charming illustrations, but the quotations and poetry are equally thoughtful and wonderful. Also, after checking this out of my local library, I now want to own a copy. I loved the exploration of poetic forms, but I loved the sense of empathy and equity and diversity even more. So worthwhile!
Read
December 2, 2020I am a huge fan of the two poets' earlier collaboration and had no doubt this one would be spectacular! This is a first-purchase for all libraries. Beautifully illustrated, inspiring quotes, challenges and thought-provoking poems all add up to a terrific resource in the LA classroom for all ages.
February 26, 2024
Irene Latham and Charles Waters care about the world and want to make it better. I loved the layout of poem, description of poem’s form, quote, anecdote, and a related action prompt. It’s a children’s book, but I think it’s a lovely read no matter what age you are.
December 27, 2019
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
The idea behind this book is very good. It's goal is to inspire young readers to create a better world.
I liked the alphabet format of the book and also the bold illustrations that accompanied the poems.
Unfortunately the book wasn't something I particularly liked, probably because I am not into poetry as much as I wanted. Also I think that this book is more appropriate for older children due to its length.
The idea behind this book is very good. It's goal is to inspire young readers to create a better world.
I liked the alphabet format of the book and also the bold illustrations that accompanied the poems.
Unfortunately the book wasn't something I particularly liked, probably because I am not into poetry as much as I wanted. Also I think that this book is more appropriate for older children due to its length.
June 25, 2020
Teacher friends, take note! This is a great book for teaching poetry and SEL. Also, I could just die for the illustrations. 💙 Beautiful. The whole book is beautiful.
January 28, 2021
Really cool concept!
My favorite part was the actionable advice following each entry that kids can use to practice things like compassion, empathy, mindfulness, etc. in their real lives.
My favorite part was the actionable advice following each entry that kids can use to practice things like compassion, empathy, mindfulness, etc. in their real lives.
March 10, 2022
AHHHHHH LOVED PLEASE PLEASE READ
March 26, 2020
I love quotes. These two authors write original poetry and give quotes of inspiration.
July 20, 2020
Six Stars! I want to buy this book for everyone, starting with myself! The concept is not new, but the execution is outstanding. The poetry, illustrations, quotes, author insights and action suggestions are all spot on. Just a wonder and a delight for humans age 2-92.
September 26, 2022
I loved, loved, loved this artistic poetry book with it's color poems written in different poetic types (and described in tiny font at the bottom of each page. Every poem was more favorite than the next. My only problem once again revolves around audience. I, an adult, loved this book. But its target it children. What ages? Upper elementary? Would they select it??
November 30, 2021
Thought provoking, beautiful, and a must read fir every human being.
December 11, 2022
“Dictionary for a Better World: Poems, Quotes and Anecdotes from A to Z” is another poetry book I read for grades K-5. I read this book in the traditional format from my school’s library. I found this book on the list of Notable Poetry Books from the NCTE link from Dr. Quiroa’s wakelet. Although this is not a book I am writing a formal review on, I did want to share some notes. This book shares a specific word for every letter of the alphabet. The words in the book go in ABC order and are often a character trait that the reader can learn more about (such as acceptance or empathy) and also shares ways to apply this to your own life. This book would be the perfect addition to any SEL curriculum. Teachers could also read one letter from the book once a week to support students' social emotional needs and build a strong sense of community in the classroom.
November 30, 2019
This book was received as an ARC from Lerner Publishing Group - Carolrhoda Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was blown away by the execution of not only the quotes, poems and literary elements used in this book but the artwork was absolutely mind blowing. This book not only reflects the importance of preserving the environment and saving the world one day at a time but, it also introduced me to new forms of poetry such as The Golden Shovel, Rena and my personal favorite the didactic. This book should be a requirement for elementary/middle school English classes all over so not only will they learn about the types of poetry but inspire them to become a writer themselves and be a good impact on saving the world.
We will consider adding this title to our JNon-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I was blown away by the execution of not only the quotes, poems and literary elements used in this book but the artwork was absolutely mind blowing. This book not only reflects the importance of preserving the environment and saving the world one day at a time but, it also introduced me to new forms of poetry such as The Golden Shovel, Rena and my personal favorite the didactic. This book should be a requirement for elementary/middle school English classes all over so not only will they learn about the types of poetry but inspire them to become a writer themselves and be a good impact on saving the world.
We will consider adding this title to our JNon-Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
March 6, 2020
Dictionary for a Better World by Irene Latham and CharlesWaters, 109 pages. POETRY. Carolrhoda Books, 2020. $20.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Latham and Waters offer 50 poems, each with a quote and an anecdote, based on principles and characteristics that will improve our world when applied. Individuals have to change before the world as a whole can become better.
My favorite parts of this book are the parts that are not advertised as part of the poem collection: each poem comes with a new literary device or poem style to learn and an invitation for the reader to start applying the introduced principle. Latham and Waters teach by example through their poems and anecdotes and then give readers another example of how to start emulating the characteristics now -- today! While this isn’t the type of book one typically sits down to read cover to cover, even flipping through a few pages has the potential to change a reader’s perspective of the world.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Latham and Waters offer 50 poems, each with a quote and an anecdote, based on principles and characteristics that will improve our world when applied. Individuals have to change before the world as a whole can become better.
My favorite parts of this book are the parts that are not advertised as part of the poem collection: each poem comes with a new literary device or poem style to learn and an invitation for the reader to start applying the introduced principle. Latham and Waters teach by example through their poems and anecdotes and then give readers another example of how to start emulating the characteristics now -- today! While this isn’t the type of book one typically sits down to read cover to cover, even flipping through a few pages has the potential to change a reader’s perspective of the world.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
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