Module 7: Picture Books in Verse and Poetry

Siebert, Diane. Tour America: a Journey Through Poems and Art. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2006

Summary: An author's note at the beginning of the book tells of the author's journey with her husband throughout the country. Starting in 1971, Siebert and her husband sold all of their belongings, bought two motorcycles, and began a journey through towns large and small. Intending to spend just a summer sightseeing, they journeyed around the country for ten years. Siebert then created poems about some of the more interesting sights and landmarks they found. Most poems are on a double page spread, and some highlight famous landmarks such as The Golden Gate Bridge or The Washington Monument, while others are about lesser known but fascinating places such as Cadillac Ranch in Texas, and Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey. Facts about each location are included with the poetry and illustrations. Illustrator, Stephen T. Johnson uses a variety of mediums to complement the poetry including watercolors, photography, digital collage, gouache, and pastels. 

Impressions: This book should appeal to a very wide audience. Whether a student likes art, geography, poetry, or little known facts, this book will be liked by all. After reading this book, I found myself making a mental list of all of the places I now want to visit. You cannot help but catch the travel bug after reading this book. Extensions after reading abound; students can create their own poems and illustrations for places they have traveled to, or wish to in the future. There is a map in the front of the book showing where the poem's locations are-- this is ideal for studying U.S. Geography as well. 

Reviews: 

School Library Journal: This distinguished offering blends poetry, geography, art, and history.

Horn Book Guide: From the Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the East Coast to the Golden Gate bridge on the West Coast, these assured and thought-provoking poems celebrate some of America's scenic treasures. The poems vary in length, but most have a rhyme scheme and work well as read-alouds. Paintings created with media including pastel, watercolor, and oil provide a handsome visual counterpoint. 

Booklist: The accessible words, open design, and appealing geographic approach make the book ideal for classrooms. Johnson's impressively varied, sophisticated images of towns and landscapes may expand the book's audience to older art students.