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Reading about

APA Heritage: Poetry

These collections offer a range of poems for students to enjoy, from haiku by Japanese master Issa to poems about dragon boat races in New York City. These poems may also offer helpful models for poetry-writing lessons.

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems By: Janet Wong Age Level: 12-14 Reading Level: Independent Reader

Wong writes poems of realization and identity. Whether the words are about customs or careers, they provide a sense of who the author has become because of her pride in her blood-lines.

Cool Melons--Turn to Frogs! Cool Melons--Turn to Frogs! By: Matthew Gollub Age Level: 3-6 Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Born in 1763 on a farm in central Japan, Issa began writing Haiku as a young child. Matthew Gollub has integrated the story of Issa's life and selections of his best-known work.

Good Luck Gold and Other Poems Good Luck Gold and Other Poems By: Janet Wong Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader

Easy-to-understand poems explore what it's like to grow up Asian in America. Readers will see themselves in the everyday activities of the poet who dispels typical notions of how Asians behave and how they excel. Perhaps, too, readers will realize the hurt that words can cause in several sophisticated and quite personal poems.

Knock on Wood: Poems about Superstitions Knock on Wood: Poems about Superstitions By: Janet Wong Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader

Original poems combine with stunning illustrations reminiscent of folk art, to explore superstitions and superstitious beliefs from black cats to knocking on wood — and lots more. An author's note with a bit of information about superstitions concludes this engaging book.

My Chinatown My Chinatown By: Kam Mak Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Beginning Reader

It's a New Year in Chinatown, but one little boy from Hong Kong wonders, "How can it ever be a good year thousands of miles from home?" As he moves through the seasons, however, New York finally begins to feel like home. Told in verse, these poems capture the challenges of adapting to a new life from a child's point of view. Vivid paintings with a photograph-like quality bring the poems to life.

One Leaf Rides the Wind One Leaf Rides the Wind By: Celeste Mannis Illustrated by: Susan Kathleen Hartung Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Beginning Reader

This richly illustrated collection of haiku poems is a counting book as well as an introduction to Japanese gardens and to a poetic form. From one leaf chased by a little girl to 10 stone lanterns, this garden can be enjoyed on several levels.

The Song of Mu Lan The Song of Mu Lan By: Jeanne Lee Age Level: 6-9 Reading Level: Independent Reader

Jeanne M. Lee presents the ancient Chinese folk poem that tells the legend of Mu Lan. Dressed as a young man, Mu Lan goes to battle in her father's place and becomes a revered warrior even as those around her don't know her true identity. Beautifully detailed illustrations accompany the poem, as does a brief author's note. Bilingual English-Chinese.