1. Bibliographic Citation
Shields, Carol Diggory. 2002. Brainjuice: American History, Fresh Squeezed! Brooklyn: Handprint Books. ISBN 9781929766628
2.
Summary and Review
American
History Fresh Squeezed is an 80 page collection of poems
about the history of our country. There is a running timeline at the top of
every page that continues from the beginning to the end of the book with
landmark dates and important events in American history. The poems account
major events in American history in chronological order including Columbus, the
Pilgrims, major inventions, wars, and ending with the terrorist attacks on
September 11, 2001. There is a four part “Presidents on Parade” with fun facts
from all the former presidents of the United States up to George W. Bush. All
of the poems rhyme and are not longer than two pages except for the “Presidents
on Parade” series. Most of the poems have a humorous tone with the exception of
“The Lady,” a tribute to The Statue of Liberty and September 11th, “Trail
of Tears,” and “This Train,” about the Underground Railroad. While this
collection of poems may not be the most prolific and is hit or miss, the
collection does have its place. The short poems seem to make American history
more accessible. Upper elementary students, especially, would appreciate these
poems and their humor. In addition, this book could be used as a springboard to
pique curiosities and spark research. The black, white, and red cartoon
illustrations by Richard Thompson give the book a political cartoon feel. The
final poem in the book, “The Lady” is one of my favorites:
The Lady
I know a lady, you might know her too,
She’s seen a lot in her years.
Joyful reunions and sad good-byes,
Laughter, sighs, and tears.
She saw the towers’ awful fall,
The smoke burned in her eyes.
She saw the fear and saw the grief,
The hope, the prayers, the cries.
And soon she saw the work begin,
A country unified,
She saw neighbor helping neighbor,
She saw a proud flag rise.
She saw it all from where she stands,
Beautiful and tall,
And still she holds her torch up high,
And still she welcomes all.
3.
Awards/Reviews
*New
Mexico Battle of the Books Nominee, 2010-2011
*Positive Review Kirkus Reviews, 2002
*Positive Review School Library Journal,
2003
4.
Activities
“The Lady” could be used in conjunction
with other sources for a study on September 11. After discussing the events of
September 11, the poem could then be read aloud. The poem tells of the horrors
of that day but also the resilience of the American people through the eyes of
The Statue of Liberty. An extension activity could be for students to write a
poem looking through the eyes of some inanimate object.
Activity for the whole book: Students
could be divided into pairs and assigned one poem per pair. They will read the
poem and then research the actual historical facts written about in the poem.
They could then prepare mini reports to be shared with the class.
5.
Related books
*BrainJuice:
Science, Fresh Squeezed by Carol Diggory Shields ISBN 9781593540050
*BrainJuice:
English, Fresh Squeezed by Carol Diggory Shields ISBN 9781593540531
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