Eureka!

Wreath for Emmett Till, A

Publication Information

Author: Nelson, Marilyn

Illustrator: Lardy, Philippe

Title: Wreath for Emmett Till, A

Date: 2005

Publisher: Houghton Miflin

City: Boston

ISBN, paperback: 0-618-39752-3

ISBN, hardback:

Recommended audience:

ABE/ABLE: Yes

ESOL:

Family:

Young Adult: Yes

Picture: Yes

General Information:

Book Type(s): poetry, true story

HSE Descriptor(s): social studies| language arts - reading

Summary:

Told in a poetic form known as heroic crown sonnets, the thoughtfully illustrated poem causes the reader to experience the murder of 14 year old Emmett Till in Mississippi. The author provides an introduction to the poetic form, biographical information about Emmett Till, and notes on each of the 15 sonnets. The book received the Printz Award and the Coretta Scott King Award. It is recommended for advanced readers.

Teaching Ideas:

The publisher, Houghton Mifflin, provides before and after reading and extension activities, web and print resources and a link to Marilyn Nelson reading the poem. Check www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/nelson_wreath.shtml. Because the content and form may be difficult for many adult readers, teachers may want to focus on the final sonnet which is composed of the first lines of the previous 14 sonnets. Advanced readers can explore one of the individual sonnets and report to the group. Vocabulary work before reading would be also be helpful. Additional information and photographs on Emmett Till and the murder trial, look at Chris Crowe's Getting Away With Murder on this database. Why Till became a national figure would be an excellent discussion and writing topic. Some readers might want to try the sonnet form.

Teaching Strategies: