Engle, M. (2015). Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings. Anthem Books.
Summary
During the Cold War, Margarita fears for her family in Cuba while living in Las Angeles. Margarita spends time in this memoir describing her love for her home country of Cuba, its loveliness and beauty, and living in the hustle and bustle of a big city in America. She tells her story through a series of verse that is both beautiful and haunting in that she questions whether she will always have to choose between her love of Cuba, and her life in America. She wants to spread her wings, but the Cold War and Missile Crisis keep her thoughts in turmoil. This memoir of self reflection and culture is a beautiful way to explore this time in history from a child's perspective.
A Teacher's Perspective
What a wonderful way to approach verse. This memoir about Margarita's time during the cold war is so well written, that even though this event happened in history, it is still relevant to today's children. Many are from mixed cultures and many deal with daunting issues that they feel trapped between.
This novel would be a wonderful addition to a poetry unit to show students the unlimited potential of poetry verses prose. Many students get stuck with the idea that poetry must rhyme, and that poems serve no purpose other than to be read out loud and enjoyed. Engle shows that poetry can reach new heights.
Want to know more?
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When researching this book, I found a wonderful blog that not only discusses the awards won by this book, but offers an author's corner perspective and lesson plans/activities to be used when teaching this novel. If you are interested in using it in your classroom, feel free to visit by clicking here!
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