Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost

 Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost edited by Gary D. Schmidt and illustrated by Henri Sorensen is a collection of poems by the great american poet Robert Frost. The poems are divided into the season: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. Each season contains beautiful poems accompanied by beautiful artwork by Sorensen.

Below each poem, Schmidt includes a brief explanation to help young readers fully understand the meaning. These descriptions are in italicized text to help the reader identify visually that this is separate from Frost's poetry. Schmidt's inserts are excellent for young readers as they explore the world of poetry. Serving as a guide throughout the book, audiences can decide if they want to read Schmidt's addition before the poem or after. If before, it will help make it a little simpler to understand upon one's first read. However, it also can make for a fun challenge by first reading the poem then looking to the insert and seeing if one understood the poem as it was intended. Though that is the beauty of poetry, it can be interpreted in different ways depending on the readers perception.

At times in his poetry, Frost brings together

two images that you would never expect to see together. In

this poem he is out for a walk in the woods and comes upon 

"a barkless specter." Watch for the clues that Frost gives

as to what this specter might be, and why it is so unusual to

come upon it in the middle of the woods.

- Description from Schmidt on Summer poem: An Encounter

Frost's poetry is world famous and remains present in today's culture due to the exceptional quality in his work. His content speaks to the reader as it relates to nature and furthermore, relates to life. Even though most of his poetry was written from the inspiration of specific environments, the reader can visualize the given environment and/or experience from their own experience. His poetic imagery also enhances the meaning in his text, bringing it to life for audiences. 

A Time To Talk

When a friend calls to me from the road,

And slows his horse to a meaning walk,

I don't stand still and look around

On all the hills I haven't hoed,

And shout from where I am, "What is it?"

No, not as there is a time to talk.

I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,

Blade-end up and five feet tall,

And plod: I go up to the stone wall

For a friendly visit.

In A Time To Talk, Frost writes about a friend who is passing by while he is working in the field. As a describes his friend coming back with his horse, one can picture the road that goes by his farm as he works on his crops. He mentions "the hills" he hasn't hoed. With just minor detail, the scenery is vivid to the audience without losing the intent behind the poem. He writes about the importance of taking time to talk with his friend even though there is work to be done.

Each poem is accompanied with gorgeous watercolor illustrations by Sorensen. They match the poems perfectly, taking the imagery of Frost's words and making them visible to the human eye. Even the tone of each painting fits the season in which it is categorized. I love the way this book is divided by seasons. I believe it to be a great vehicle to introduce children to poetry in a simple yet meaningful way. Weather is something one becomes familiar with at a young age. And though nature has become less a part of many people's lives with growing popularity of technology, it is still a common ground for which many can relate and understand. 

Poetry for Young People: Robert Frost is an excellent collection that is beneficial for children to study and enjoy. By reading poetry that speaks on subjects children have thorough knowledge about helps to enrich their understanding of prose and verse. 

Motivational Activities:

*By using the italicized descriptions underneath each poem, have students first explain what chosen poems are about then read the captions to see if they thought the same. Discuss how their thoughts are similar and/or different.

*Have students choose 4 poems (one from each season). Have them breakdown each of their choices by describing what about each poem is reminiscent of the season it is categorized. 

Reader Response questions:

1. When reading the brief history given about Frost at the front of the book, what was his dream job?

2. What place inspired a great deal of Frost's poetry?

3. Name 3 poetry techniques Frost uses in his work.

Further reading:

*Poetry for Young People: Edgar Allan Poe by Brod Bagert and Carolynn Cobleigh
*Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson by Frances Schoonmaker Bolin and Chi Chung
*Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
*Birches by Robert Frost and Ed Young
*A Prayer in Spring by Robert Frost and Grandma Moses