This collection of poetry is authored by Naomi Shihab Nye. It illustrates the relation of everyday life to that of a honeybee throughout the book. She introduces the book by explaining her extensive studying of honeybees and continues the analogy as her words parallel how the honeybee and human survive, work, dance, communicate, and cooperate in their own worlds. Her voice is very powerful throughout, as is evident in "The Cost." She illustrates our sad state of education as she speaks candidly of school librarians and counselors being fired (in San Antonio) for lack of funding.
Her opinion of war is also ever present in her poetry. She gives the perspective as an American and of Middle Eastern descent as well as the influences and consequences that there are for both. She criticizes our society as peacemakers preparing our students with "everything you need to know...then place a gun in your hands." As strong as her opinion is, I still believe that there are things that are worth fighting for. It seems so simple when she voices her opinion in her writing, and I wish it could be as simple as talking it over. However, it reminds me that it takes two sides to compromise.
I love that Naomi Shihab Nye writes about Texas. One of my favorite references was her description of subdivisions as "big mistakes slapped up outside towns" (from Driving to Abilene in the Pouring Rain). As a Texan, I feel lucky to live in the wide open spaces and enjoy nature and animals out in the country.
A favorite quote of mine this week comes directly from this poetry collection. Naomi says, "If someone gives you trouble, remember your best self" (from Our Best Selves). What great advice to pass on to others!
Her opinion of war is also ever present in her poetry. She gives the perspective as an American and of Middle Eastern descent as well as the influences and consequences that there are for both. She criticizes our society as peacemakers preparing our students with "everything you need to know...then place a gun in your hands." As strong as her opinion is, I still believe that there are things that are worth fighting for. It seems so simple when she voices her opinion in her writing, and I wish it could be as simple as talking it over. However, it reminds me that it takes two sides to compromise.
I love that Naomi Shihab Nye writes about Texas. One of my favorite references was her description of subdivisions as "big mistakes slapped up outside towns" (from Driving to Abilene in the Pouring Rain). As a Texan, I feel lucky to live in the wide open spaces and enjoy nature and animals out in the country.
A favorite quote of mine this week comes directly from this poetry collection. Naomi says, "If someone gives you trouble, remember your best self" (from Our Best Selves). What great advice to pass on to others!
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