I’m the Big One Now! Poems about Growing Up

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Singer, Marilyn. 2019. I’M THE BIG ONE NOW!  POEMS ABOUT GROWING UP. Pennsylvania; Highlights. ISBN 9781629791692

PLOT SUMMARY

As children grow, there are so many exciting things that happen.  Singer has compiled a collection of poems about what children encounter as they are growing up.  There are the first-time adventures such as going to the ocean, riding the school bus and attending a big-kid birthday party.  There are also the accomplishments that make them feel proud such as sitting quietly in the theater to watch a movie, counting money and cooking for mom.  The experiences that change a child like becoming a big sibling.    

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Singer’s compilation of poems about growing up are simple and children will be able to make a connection to more than one.  The rhythm in each poem will be evident when read aloud and will be inviting for children to repeat.  There is rhyming words in every poem used in a natural way which allows the words in the poem to flow such in the poem “Taking the Bus” with the words car/far, beard/weird, late/eight and bus/fuss. Readers will also be exposed to poems for two voices in the poems “First Good Snap, First Good Whistle” and “First Ballet Recital, First Piano Recital.”

Through digital drawings the illustrations capture the essence of the poems connecting them to the text.  The illustrations show the different emotions that children go through as they experience new adventures, accomplishments and changes in their lives.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

KIRKUS review: “The creators’ matter-of-fact embrace of inclusion is the highlight of an otherwise uneven poetry collection.”

PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: Christy illustrates in cheerful, jewel-tone digital spreads, capturing Singer’s relatable moments of frustration, progress and pride.

CONNECTIONS

Read other poem books about children such as:

Greenfield, Eloise. Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems. ISBN 0064430979

Singer, Marilyn. A Stick is an Excellent Things: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play. ISBN 0547124937

Children can write their own poem about growing up and illustrate to show their emotions.

Divide students into two groups to recite poems for two voices.