1.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lewis, J. Patrick., and Jim Cooke. Heroes and She-roes:
Poems of Amazing and Everyday Heroes. New York: Dial Books for Young
Readers, 2005. ISBN: 0803729251.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Heroes and
She-roes is a collection of poetry about ordinary people such as a
second-grade teacher, and renowned heroes such as Gandhi. Lewis’ simple poems
are accompanied by a short biographical paragraph about the person depicted in
each poem. Cooke’s pictures are as bold as the heroes they represent with vivid
colors and strong definition. Students of all ages can find a hero within the
pages of this book.
3. CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
The poems in Lewis’ book are interesting and often witty. They
capture the essence of lifetimes and the meaning of lives. The language of the
poems is simple, and the rhyming structure is sometimes imperfect, but the
poems still read well. It is also intriguing to see who Lewis chose as his heroes
and she-roes. It is no surprise to find Rosa Parks and a firefighter
during the 9/11 attacks. Less expected, though, are people like Lady Godiva,
the Little Angel of Columbia, and Rosie the Riveter. Even very common people are
included: a teacher, a nun, and a journalist are examples. The diverse array of
heroes ensures that each reader will find one to relate to, and who speaks to
him or her individually, on an emotional level.
Cooke’s illustrations are real to life. The pictures of Gandhi and
Martin Luther King are easily recognized. The bright oil paints and bold lines work
well as a medium to depict strong personalities.
This book is a very quick read, which is perfect, as it is one
that the reader will want to read more than once. Often the poems need a second
going-over so that the message of the passages can be fully appreciated. This is
a book that gets better with repetition.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
BOOKLIST: “Both the famous and the unknown are celebrated
in the 21 rhyming poems in this collection, which is illustrated with
full-page, smiling oil portraits. Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi,
and Rosa Parks are here, and so is the Pakistani child laborer and martyr,
Iqbal Masih. The book also pays tribute to ordinary subjects such as "The
Elementary School Teacher," "The Firefighter," and even to a
wonder dog in Alaska. There's also an outrageous Lady Godiva, nude on horseback
(private parts covered). The verse is undistinguished, and the rhyme is sometimes
forced. This is an entertaining collection, however, and a brief biographical
note about each subject included with each supplies a few additional,
interesting details.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “[A]n important title that will inspire young people and perhaps encourage them.”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Heroes and She-roes
would be a good introduction to poetry about other famous figures and events
throughout history.
*Some more poetry collections that delve into history:
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. HAND IN HAND: AN AMERICAN HISTORY THROUGH
POETRY. ISBN: 067173315X.
Hopkins, Lee Bennett. LIVES: POEMS ABOUT FAMOUS AMERICANS. ISBN: 006027767X.
Meltzer, Milton. HOUR OF FREEDOM:AMERICAN HISTORY IN POETRY. ISBN:
1590780213.
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