No Voice Too Small

Bibliography:

Metcalf, Lindsay H., et al. No Voice Too Small: Fourteen Young Americans Making History. Charlesbridge, 2020.

Summary:

No Voice Too Small is a book of poetry that features true stories of 14 young Americans making history. The book of poems feature a variety of poets as well as types of poetry. The book is very inspiring for readers of all ages. Each page of poetry includes a summary of the activist and what they are doing to change the world. The book also includes a two page spread about the poets. This books has so much to be inspired by and has something for readers of all ages.

Analysis:

The book cover immediately captures the attention of a young audience by featuring 4 young children at what appears to be a protest. One is holding a sign with the book information on it, and another with a bull horn. All seem happy and full of pride. The title page art is filled with quotes of the featured activists. This book does not contain a table of contents. Each featured young American has a two page spread starting with their name in bold. Under that, the poet and poem type is listed. The poem is printed on the left side and a description of the child is written on the left. Each illustration seems to be drawn in pastel chalk and depicts the subject and their fight. A reader can easily flip through and be able to tell what is important to each young American. The poetry includes; ballads, free verse, tanka, elegy poems, reverso and so much more. Readers will be captivated by the subject as well as the variety of poems. One type is called an onomatopoeic poem. It was my first time seeing this format and I loved it. It fit perfectly with Guadalupe Garcia McCall who held a quinceanera at the capital. At the end of the book, each poem type is listed and explained. Following that is small photographs of each contributor to the book and their accomplishments. This book can be used in so many ways by so many ages. With the subject and variety of poems this book can be enjoyed one page at a time or as a complete read through.

Activity:

There are so many ways to use this book depending on the grade level. In elementary school, use the last poem (shared except) to inspire students ahead of kindness week. They can be the someone who does the something. As a class come up with a list that can range from picking up trash at school to helping with dinner. Then encourage them to ROAR and start the change.

In middle school, this book will pair well with biographies. Encourage the students to add a poem to the end of a research paper on someone they selected for a project. After research the students will know their subject well enough to create a poem about their accomplishments. Like in the book, let the poets choose their own poetry forms.