Poetry for Young People: William Shakespeare
Gr 8 Up-An exploration of Shakespeare as a poet. The book begins with a good biographical introduction to the Bard and his work. Three well-known sonnets, Hamlet's famous "To be, or not to be" soliloquy, as well as several well-known speeches from other plays are included. Some of the selections are not strong poetry and others may be off-putting to the intended audience. Each piece includes a brief glossary. There are often notes on the poetic function of the language, but this is not a book for the poetically fainthearted. A sophisticated, powerful oil painting accompanies each piece. Unfortunately, the full-page illustrations could have the effect of further alienating older students.-Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NYCopyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.