Graphic Poetry by Rubicon/Scholastic

by Glen Downey, Comics in Education, www.comicsineducation.com

Series Titles

There are 21 titles in the Graphic Poetry series from Rubicon / Scholastic. Click on one of the images below to scroll through the various titles. As well, on the homepage for the series, each of the books has a look inside feature. Click here to visit the site.

---

---

Series Honours

Graphic Poetry was honoured with both the 2010 Textbook Excellence Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association and the 2011 Teachers' Choice Award for Children's Books from Learning Magazine.

---

The Books of the Graphic Poetry Series

---

THE CIRCLE GAME

by Joni Mitchell, ed. by Glen Downey

On the carousel of life, history often repeats itself and people find comfort in tradition and familiar experiences. In these poignant lyrics, folk music legend Joni Mitchell shows that we cannot return to the past but we can appreciate every moment of our lives.


COLONEL FAZACKERLEY BUTTERWORTH-TOAST

by Charles Causley, ed. by Glen Downey

When Colonel Fazackerley Butterworth-Toast buys a castle for himself, he doesn't realize that he's bought more than he bargained for! Find out what happens when the Colonel meets one of the castle's oldest residents.


THE CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE

by Robert Service, ed. by Glen Downey

Have you ever been so cold that you'd do anything just to get warm? In this classic poem, Robert Service tells the story of Sam McGee, who finds himself deep in the Canadian Arctic, dreaming of his home in Tennessee.


THE WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD

by Gordon Lightfoot, ed. by Glen Downey

In this haunting ballad, legendary folk musician Gordon Lightfoot describes what happens when the Edmund Fitzgerald meets the "Gales of November" on Lake Superior.


WHAT DO I REMEMBER OF THE EVACUATION

by Joy Kogawa, ed. by Glen Downey

In this poignant poem, Joy Kogawa revisits a painful period from her childhood -- when she and her family and other Japanese Canadians were placed in internment camps during World War II.


HURRICANE / CHILDHOOD TRACKS

by James Berry, ed. by Glen Downey

Truly great poets have the ability to transport readers into the world of the speaker -- so get ready to pack your bags! Whether James Berry is writing about the fury of a hurricane or walking the reader through memories of his own childhood, his poems bring the sights, smells, and sounds of Jamaica to life.


I AM A CANADIAN

by Duke Redbird, ed. by Glen Downey

There are great poems written by Canadians, and great poems about Canada. However, none show off the pride we have in the breadth, diversity, and beauty of Canada and its people more than Duke Redbird's "I Am a Canadian."


 LIFE DOESN'T FRIGHTEN ME / ALONE

by Maya Angelou, ed. by Glen Downey

In these emotional and inspiring works, Maya Angelou shows how the right attitude and the love and support of friends and family can help people confront and overcome all of life's obstacles.


THE MARCH OF THE DEAD

by Robert Service, ed. by Glen Downey

The Second Boer War is over and the soldiers have come home victorious. People line the streets to celebrate as the men march proudly on parade. But then, the air is filled with another sound -- an eerie reminder from another group of men who also wish to be remembered...


MOTHER TO SON / HARLEM NIGHT SONG

by Langston Hughes, ed. by Glen Downey

In "Mother to Son" and "Harlem Night Song," renowned American poet Langston Hughes captures the struggles, challenges, beauty, and soul of Harlem — one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in America.


ORANGES / ODE TO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHS

by Gary Soto, ed. by Glen Downey

In "Oranges" and "Ode to Family Photographs," Gary Soto gives us a bird's-eye view of those weird but charming moments that bring meaning into our lives.


THIS IS A PHOTOGRAPH OF ME / GIRL AND HORSE, 1928

by Margaret Atwood, ed. by Glen Downey

In these two poems, renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood delves deep to reveal that things aren't always what they seem.


FLIGHT OF THE ROLLER-COASTER / LAKE OF BAYS

by Raymond Souster, ed. by Glen Downey

In "Flight of the Roller-Coaster" and "Lake of Bays," Raymond Souster takes us out for a day at the carnival and for a walk across a bridge, and provides us with moments that we will likely never forget.


SAME SONG / MAESTRO

by Pat Mora, ed. by Glen Downey

Each and every day, we are influenced by the people we interact with and by the world around us. These influences can be positive or negative but every person is subject to them. In these two poems, Pat Mora explores insecurities and inspiration — common themes we can all relate to.


SOUTHBOUND ON THE FREEWAY / WATER PICTURE

by May Swenson, ed. by Glen Downey

Poet May Swenson had a unique perspective on the world. Whether she was describing a reflection in a pond or cars racing down a highway, Swenson's creative imagery helped people see everyday occurrences in a whole new way.


THE CHOICE / SONG FOR AN APRIL DUSK

by Dorothy Parker, ed. by Glen Downey

Dorothy Parker was a girl with attitude. Her wit and talent for biting sarcasm could easily put those around her to shame. Here, Parker's pretty, poetic lines take a sudden turn that keeps readers on their toes.


THE SHARK / SEA-GULLS

by E. J. Pratt, ed. by Glen Downey

We see animals all the time, but how often do we take a long, hard look at them? In the first poem, E.J. Pratt takes us on a terrifying trip through the harbour. In the second poem, he shows us the unexpected beauty of seagulls in flight.


THE EAGLE / THE KRAKEN

by Alfred Tennyson, ed. by Glen Downey

Ever wondered what it would be like to soar with an eagle or travel to the bottom of the ocean to visit an ancient sea monster? You won't need wings or swimming gear when you read these breathtaking classics by Alfred Tennyson!


I SHALL WAIT AND WAIT

by Alootook Ipellie, ed. by Glen Downey

In this captivating poem by Inuit writer Alootook Ipellie, we get an unforgettable lesson in the importance of patience, determination, and dedication to a goal.


THE WOMAN I AM IN MY DREAMS / NOW I SEE YOU

by Maxine Tynes, ed. by Glen Downey

In "The Woman I Am in My Dreams" and "Now I See You," poet Maxine Tynes shows us how much we can learn about ourselves and others, just by taking the time to look, to consider, and to dream.


PAUL REVERE'S RIDE

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. by Glen Downey

The sounds of troops approaching, guns being fired, and a single horse's hooves pounding the pavement bring Paul Revere's famous "midnight ride" to life in this action-packed poem.

---