A few years ago, I thought I would help out the parents of my gifted and talented students by writing about some games, toys, or books that I thought might make good purchases during the holiday season. I called the series of posts, “Gifts for the Gifted,” and I have continued to do it annually on every Friday in November and December. These gifts are suggestions for any child – not just those who qualify for a GT program. Sometimes I receive a free product for review, but I am not paid for these posts, and I never recommend a product that I wouldn’t buy for my own child. For past “Gifts for the Gifted” posts, you can visit this page.
Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we are in November already. The day after Halloween, my satellite radio station was already touting their Christmas music stations. I still have cobwebs all over my house. However, I do have Christmas lights kind of up because we did a Stranger Things themed Halloween party. So, that worked out well.
Anyway, as you can see from the blurb above, I am back to doing my weekly “Gifts for the Gifted” column, which might seem like I am caving to the commercialism of the season. I don’t really have a defense for that, so I’m just going to move on to this week’s recommendation.
I wrote a poetic post about this poetry book earlier this month. (I wouldn’t read it, if I were you – my post, I mean. It’s a poor excuse for a poem.) Chris Harris’ poetry is much better than mine. My students from 1st-5th roll on the floor when I read them, “The Old Woman Who Lived in Achoo.” They raise their eyebrows at the title poem, “I’m Just No Good at Rhyming.” (How can this person be so daft as to not know simple rhyming words?!!) From the cover jacket to the last page, this book defies the rules of poetry, indexes, dedications, and acknowledgements.
But don’t take my word for how great this book is. To read more about the book and Chris Harris, check out this article from Publishers Weekly.
If you are looking for a good gift for an elementary school student, I’m Just No Good at Rhyming is a great choice. And do yourself a favor – don’t let the recipient read it independently the first time. Sit with him or her, and read it out loud. Just give yourself ample time because neither one of you is going to want to stop.
If you are reading this in time, and live near Austin, TX, Chris Harris will be at the Texas Book Festival on 11/4/17, reading out loud and signing books. An even better gift than this book would be this book signed by the author!
