"A Wreath For Emmett Hill" by Marilyn Nelson

[estoniandancer]

This book of poems is definitely for teens who are 14+ years of age. I would not say this is a children's book of poems.
Therefore, I do not think that this is a suitable book for Newbery consideration.

[king]

I'm just curious... do you think the poetic style used is for teens older than 14 or the theme/presentation of content itself is for older than 14? Or is it something else?

[estoniandancer]

Sorry, I typed the title wrong on the original thread. Should be "A wreath for Emmett Till" not "A wreath for Emmett Hill".
Yes, I think the poetic style is for the 14+ readers....I think that age group would most appreciate the metaphors and imagery that the poems evoke.
The content is suitable for the teen/young adult readers as well, I think. Emmett Till is 14 years old when he is killed so that is another factor that made me think this book would be most appropriate for the 14+ readers.
Also, the reviews that I read that are linked to the ACPL catalog record for this book point out that this book suits the 9th grade and older readers.

[Tess]

I have not yet read the book. I will say that the "up to age 14" is a tricky part of the Newbery criteria. When I taught 7th graders, we read and discussed the book, _Now is Your Time: The African-American Struggle for Freedom_ by Walter Dean Myers. Seventh-graders, typically, are 13-year-olds. Emmett Till's tragic story is shared in that particular book.

I will comment more after I read the book.

[estoniandancer]

I too have taught 7th and 8th grade. I think that 13 year olds would probably get a lot from this book of poems (the poetic style is full of imagery and symbolism and the issue of racism and and social injustice would make for excellent discussion topics in any history/world issues lesson).
I really think that this book would not work for younger children (younger than 13 or 14). This book IS written well and I do think it is written for the teen/young adult reader. I really doubt children younger than 13 could read this book confidently (either independently or with a group) and get into the poetic style, the imagery, the issues, and the feelings evoked.
I would much prefer to discuss this book in the context of the Silbert award.

[estoniandancer]

Or the PRINTZ award! I forgot to mention in my previous posting....this book would suit the PRINTZ award for discussion (I feel) rather than the Newbery, and it could/may suit the Silbert discussion too.

[Tess]

After reading the poem, I understand what you mean, but I'm not sure that I agree. The literary allusions are more likely to make sense to upper level high school students. However with her introduction, ending notes about Emmitt Till and Sonnet Notes, Nelson has created a book that will work for younger readers too.

I love the use of the heroic crown since it forms the wreath of the title along with her reference to flowers. It isn't difficult to discover and the "RIP EMMETT TILL" in the last sonnet is a poetic device that is geared toward the younger reader. I think that upper elementary and middle school students are willing and ready to discuss such issues and the poetic form.

My question regarding this work is whether the Sonnet Notes section makes it more appropriate for the intended audience or makes it too didactic. This may be a fine line that Nelson is walking. What do you think?

[estoniandancer]

I love the use of sonnets in this book.
I would, however, still say that I would not really use this book with children under 11.....
Also, the Sonnet Notes just do not seem to fit into the book, in my opinion.

[annewallace]

Loved this book--I agree that 5th graders might be too young though

[estoniandancer]

I am so pleased that "A Wreath For Emmett Till" has been given named an "Honor" book for both the Printz Award and was also for the Coretta Scott King Award.
All of us here in Estonia are very happy with this decision.