VERSE NOVELS add VERVE to READING
I recently had the pleasure of listening to Sally
Murphy talk at the ALEA (Australian Literacy Educators Association) National
Conference in Adelaide about verse novels. During what was an unfortunately
brief presentation, Sally spoke of her passion for both writing and reading
this increasingly popular genre.
 |
| My growing list of verse novels |
So, what is a verse novel?
· A narrative told in verse
Verse novels are usually written in free verse, rather than rhyme
Verse novels are usually written in free verse, rather than rhyme
They deal with diverse subject matter
They make use of line length variation
They use white space to create emphasis and draw out words
They make use of line length variation
They use white space to create emphasis and draw out words
They use a range of poetic techniques
They vary in length
They employ rhythm
Frequently they appeal to inexperienced readers, particularly inexperienced boy readers
They also appeal to confident readers
They explore issues
They are accessible
The style of the writing creates an intimacy between narrator and reader
Verse novels are part of the National Curriculum (Australia) making them a most relevant form of reading for students and teachers alike
They vary in length
They employ rhythm
Frequently they appeal to inexperienced readers, particularly inexperienced boy readers
They also appeal to confident readers
They explore issues
They are accessible
The style of the writing creates an intimacy between narrator and reader
Verse novels are part of the National Curriculum (Australia) making them a most relevant form of reading for students and teachers alike
·
‘Poetry should be positioned as part of everyday life.’
Sally Murphy
Sally Murphy
Yes to more verse novels! How lovely that you were able to see Sally present, too.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to have another Aussie in the Poetry Friday link-up, Allan. I missed the last two weeks - but I see (now) this isn't the first time you've joined. Good on your for jumping on board. And YAY for verse novel love! Thank-you for sharing your titles - and including mine in your suitcase. :)
ReplyDeleteI love books in verse and am planning on having a Books in Verse basket in my new 4th grade classroom! I can't wait and I'm already stocking up--just picked up Sharon Creech's "heartbeat" yesterday. Thanks for adding some titles to my list.
ReplyDeleteJoining those who love seeing love for verse novels. Yay!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of verse novels. Thanks for the image because some of these are new to me.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! Thanks for the mention and for loving verse novels as much as I do.
ReplyDeleteA lot of my students are starting to enjoy these - they are generally a quick read. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteJust getting started with this genre, Alan, and loving it. Thanks for sharing and for Sally's Quote: "Poetry should be positioned as part of everyday life."
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have gone to that session! I have a whole shelf of verse novels in my classroom!
ReplyDelete