Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry

Module 3 Book Reviews: Poetry

Alyssa Payne, LSSL 5360

Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings: A Memoir by Margarita Engle

Bibliographic Data

Engle, M. (2015). Enchanted air: Two cultures, two wings: a memoir. New York, NY: Atheneum, a division of Simon & Schuster.    ISBN 978-1-4814-3523-9

Summary

Enchanted Air is the life history of a young Jewish, Cuban-American woman, Margarita, who grows up torn between two cultures she loves with all her heart and the dichotomy that arises between them as she grows up.  Her parents come from two different worlds-Cuba and America-and can barely understand one another, yet they found each other and overcame the immense differences between their cultures.  Margarita grows up in Los Angeles but spends a great amount of time in her mother’s home, Cuba, a place she writes of her deep love for.  While she loves both of her “homes”, she feels torn between their vastly different cultures, a feeling that is only amplified when conflict arises between America and Cuba in the Cold War.  This compilation of poetry of the author’s life experience follow her through the conflicting emotions and internal struggle that arise when you come from more than one culture, especially during a tumultuous time in world history.       

Critical Analysis

Ms. Engle weaves together a rich tapestry of her family’s history and unique life experience in her Verse Novel Memoir.  It begins with the heartwarming tale of how the author’s parents met, fell in love, and became engaged in a brief introduction titled Love at First Sight.  The remainder of the novel is told in non-rhyming verse, following Margarita throughout her younger years of life as she experiences life in both America and Cuba.  Her distinct voice is clearly conveyed through the poems.  The book’s greatest strengths are the use of imagery and emotion.  Her use of sensory words and description of lush Cuba make you feel as if you are standing on the island with her.  She does an excellent job of portraying the stark contrast between her two worlds, particularly in how she describes her deep emotional connection to her beloved Cuba.   Engle’s writing style clearly expresses the toll the Cold War and conflict between her two “homes” takes on her.  As the narrative unfolds, Enchanted Air captures the readers’ emotions more and more, and you feel as if you have walked a mile in her shoes.  This is a wonderful book that celebrates diversity, and I highly recommend it.     

Awards and Review Excerpts

Pura Belpre Award Winner, 2016

The Walter Dean Myers Honor Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature, 2016

"A deeply personal memoir-in-verse filled with Engle’s trademark intricately woven lyricism."  Source: School Library Journal, May 2015, STARRED REVIEW

Connections

My Name is Aida by Aida Waserstein

All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle

We Are America: A Tribute from the Heart by Walter Dean Myers

Bibliographic Data

Myers, W.D. (2011). We are America: a tribute from the heart. Ill. by Christopher Meyers. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers.    ISBN 978-0-06-052308-4

Summary

We Are America is a heartfelt collection of poems written as a tribute to America after the horror that took place on September 11, 2001.  Each poem highlights a strand of history of the American people and critically examines various aspects of what their “American experience” must have been like.  There are featured poems about Native Americans, slavery, the immigrant’s experience, industrialization, etc.  They effectively define what it is to be American both in the past and present, like a poetry timeline of what built this country up to what it is now.     

Critical Analysis

This heartfelt collection of poems was written by Mr. Meyers in response to the terrorist attacks that took place on America on September 11, 2001.  When our country was broken, he wanted to do his part to contribute to the collective grief and healing the United States would be experiencing.  We Are America, a tribute to America and its unique history, was his offering.  I would classify this book as an Individual Poet Compilation, since every poem is written by the same author and centers around one central topic-America.  The illustrations excellently compliment and convey the meaning of the text.  Each picture is a feast for the eyes, a true work of art.  Mr. Meyers’ style of poetry is clearly established through the text.  None of the poems follow a rhyming scheme or particular formula.  Each poem is a separate, unique work while adding to the overall theme of the compilation.  Overall, the poems convey the author’s distinctive voice clearly and achieve Mr. Meyers’ goal of saluting all that America is, was, and will be.  At the end of the book, there are artist notes about the illustrations and explanations for each of the poems, an effective addition that sets this book of poems apart.     

Awards and Review Excerpts

“The Myers team shares their heartfelt and stirring vision of an America flawed but filled with promises and dreams.”  Source: Kirkus Review July 7, 2017.

Connections

The Poetry of US: More than 200 Poems that Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States by J. Patrick Lewis

Coming to America: The Story of Immigration by Betsy Maestro

America: A Patriotic Primer by Lynne Cheney

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

Heroes and She-Roes by J. Patrick Lewis

Bibliographic Data

Lewis, J.P. (2005). Heroes and she-roes: Poems of amazing and everyday heroes. Ill. by Jim Cooke. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.    ISBN 0-8037-2925-1

Summary

Heroes and She-Roes is a collection of poems all about everyday heroes in the world, both from the past and present.  It features well-known figures, such as Hellen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Gandhi, but it also features heroes all around us like firefighters and teachers.  Each poem is written with a rhyming scheme and includes a factual explanation of its historical connections.  

Critical Analysis

Heroes and She-Roes is classified as a Thematic Collection that centers around the theme “everyday heroes”.  It would be an excellent addition to supplement Social Studies curriculum, particularly in grade levels that teach about famous world figures, i.e. 3^rd grade.  Each poem follows the same rhyming scheme, which make it more approachable for readers.  One valuable feature in this book is the historical context that accompanies each poem.  Both this explanation and the illustrations work together beautifully to convey the collection’s message.  The illustrations are a true highlight of the book with their bright, colorful, eye-catching artistry.  They are sure to draw readers in.  One critique I have for this collection is the poem The Bareback Rider, which is about Lady Godiva.  The content of the poem and especially the illustration of the naked woman make an otherwise wonderful book inappropriate for young readers, which is a shame since it would complement 3^rd grade Social Studies curriculum so well.  Unfortunately, because of this oversight, a teacher would have to pick and choose the poems to share with her class rather than having this as an available resource for students to access whenever they want.  Still, in spite of that one poem, this collection would be a valuable addition in the library as a teacher resource.       

Awards and Review Excerpts

“This is an important title that will inspire young people and perhaps encourage them to look more deeply into the lives of others as well as their own.”  Source: School Library Journal, May 1st 2017

Connections

Herstory: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World by Katherine Halligan

I Am Gandhi (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

I Am Helen Keller (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

I Am Gandhi: A Graphic Biography of a Hero (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe McCall

Bibliographic Data

Garcia McCall, G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books, Inc.    ISBN 978-1-60060-429-4

Summary

Lupita is a Mexican-American teenager who finds herself facing a world of adult burdens when her mother is diagnosed with cancer.  Lupita’s mother and father travel to America to receive treatment for her cancer.  In their absence, Lupita must step-up and take their place, becoming a surrogate parent for her younger siblings.  She must also try to manage the household, all while juggling her high school coursework.  When it all becomes too much to bear, Lupita takes refuge under a mesquite tree and finds the release she needs through words and poems.        

Critical Analysis

This poignant, coming-of-age memoir, based on the author’s real-life experiences, is told through novel-in-verse and follows the story of Lupita through a difficult season in her life.  Under the Mesquite peels back the veil of the Mexican-American immigrant’s struggle and exposes the unique experiences they might face.  The poems stand on their own two feet and are lovely in their own right, as verse novels often are.  With poems like “Quincenera” and “Las Telenovelas”, Under the Mesquite offers a glimpse into the lives of a Mexican family and highlights many facets of Mexican culture.  I enjoyed this glimpse into a life experience and culture that is vastly different from my own.  It is sure to be popular among middle and high school students, as they can identify with the everyday typical teen struggles, while the exposure to the grandiose adult problems Lupita faces will effectively teach them empathy.  The poems tell a narrative through the author’s unique voice and perspective, and you feel as if you personally know Lupita.   

Awards and Review Excerpts

“A resilient Mexican-American girl copes with familial obligation and loss in this free-verse novel…With poignant imagery and well-placed Spanish, the author effectively captures the complex lives of teenagers in many Latino and/or immigrant families…A promising, deeply felt debut.”  Source: Kirkus Review, August 3, 2011, Starred Review

Connections

Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States (Spanish Edition) by Lori Marie Carlson and Oscar Hijuelos

Yes! We are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience by Alma Flor Ada

Module 2 Book Reviews: Traditional Literature

The Horned Toad Prince by Jackie Hopkins

Bibliographic Data

Hopkins, J. (2010). The horned toad prince. Ill. by Michael Austin. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree Publishing Company.          ISBN 1561455482

Summary

Reba Jo is a young cowgirl living in the Southwestern region of the United States, specifically what seems to be Texas.  One day, while out riding her trusty horse across the desert landscape, Reba Jo wanders too closely towards the arroyo, even though she was explicitly told not to by her father and loses her brand-new cowboy hat down a water well.  While wondering what she will do to mend the situation, Reba Jo is called to the well by none other than a horned toad.  He offers to help Reba Jo retrieve her lost cowboy hat only if she will do him three small favors: fill his belly with a good helping of chili, sing him a song, and let him nap in her hat.  Panicked with what to do, Reba Jo agrees.  Reba Jo does not stick to her word initially but does follow through in the end only to discover that this horned toad is really a prince who was under a spell.  This ending, though comical, is not your typical happily-ever-after.  

Critical Analysis

The Horned Toad Prince is a wild, rootin’-tootin’ retelling of the classic Frog Prince fairy tale.  In this fractured fairy tale, the story takes place in a desert landscape in the Southwestern region of the United States and what’s alluded to as Texas, i.e. the horned toad.  The author does a fantastic job of modernizing the characters by making them larger-than-life and their behaviors exaggerated.  She also incorporates quite a bit of humor in her retelling, especially when it comes to the ending.  The setting is captivating, as is the language used.  Reba Jo, the main character in this version, uses dialect and twang that is native to the south.  The horned toad uses Spanish words and phrases, another detail that really adds to the retelling.  The illustrations are intricately detailed and truly capture the landscape of a desert region.  The illustrations also do a fantastic job of conveying the characters’ emotions.  When it comes to the defining elements of a fractured fairy tale, this book checks every box.  Being from Texas, I thoroughly enjoy it and feel it excellently captures the spirit of the Southwest.   

Awards and Review Excerpts

“This is fun and thorough. Hopkins’ telling sizzles with southwestern panache…. Fractured fun at its best.”---Publisher’s Weekly

Connections

This book would be perfect to use in a 4^th Grade classroom in Texas as an extension of the TEKS related to the regions of Texas and to help teach how setting affects a story.  This lesson would be best incorporated after teaching the characteristics of the various regions.  Prior to reading the book, show students a picture preview from the pages and have them make predictions on what region of Texas they think the book is set in.  As you read the story to your class, have them jot down clues in the illustrations and text as to which region it takes place.  Afterwards, discuss the class’ findings.  Finally, have students choose a region of Texas and a well-known fairytale, such as Cinderella, Rapunzel, or The Little Mermaid.  Students will then need to write a fractured fairytale of what they chose but base it in the region of Texas they selected.  They will need to include clues in both their illustrations, characters, and text that would help their readers decipher the region of Texas it takes place in.  As a final product, have student make their story in a blank book so they can share it with the class.   

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

Bibliographic Data

Scieszka, J. (1991). The true story of the 3 little pigs!. Ill. by Lane Smith. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.       ISBN 0-590-44357-7

Summary

This retelling of the story of The Three Little Pigs is from Alexander Wolf’s, or Al for short, perspective.  He takes us through the fateful day when he merely wants to borrow a cup of sugar and instead accidentally blows down two of the three little pigs’ houses from a sneezing fit he was having.  Naturally, since those two pig brothers died from their homes collapsing, he had to do a service and eat their remains.  Unfortunately, his actions land him in jail and solidify him as the villain he is.     

Critical Analysis

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs checks every box of what’s expected from a fractured fairy tale.  The Big, Bad Wolf, who narrates the story, is a caricature of the famed, original version of his character.  His character begs for sympathy and tries to prove that he was not in the wrong at all with his actions; that everything was a huge misunderstanding and gross exaggeration of the truth.  He swears his innocence through the end.  The storyline is a tad bit gruesome and more graphic than the original story.  The illustrations in this book, while quite dark, are also exquisitely detailed and whimsical.  They are sure to capture children’s attention and are likely one of the reasons children have been drawn to this books for so many years.   

Awards and Review Excerpts

“In this humorous story, Alexander T. Wolf tells his own outlandish version of what really happens during his encounter with the three pigs…. Smith's simplistic and wacky illustrations add to the effectiveness of this fractured fairy tale.”

—School Library Journal

Connections

After reading an original version of The Three Little Pigs and this version to your class, do a Venn Diagram comparison of the two versions.  Discuss how perspective and point of view and voice can affect a story.  Then, introduce the fractured fairytale series The Other Side of the Story.  It is a great collection of books that tells the fairytale from the villain’s perspective, just like this version does.  You could break students into groups and assign them a fairytale to read as well as its The Other Side of the Story series counterpart.  The groups could then make a presentation comparing the two versions of their assigned fairytale, making sure to explain how the different points of view affected the story.

Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky

Bibliographic Data

Zelinsky, P. (1997). Rapunzel. Ill. by Paul Zelinsky. New York, NY: Dutton Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group.     ISBN   978-0-525-45607-0

Summary

Rapunzel is a young girl trapped in a tall tower by an evil witch who is using her for her hair’s magical powers.  The witch never lets Rapunzel leave the tower.  One day, a handsome prince passes by, and hears Rapunzel in the tower.  The two meet and fall in love.  Their love has to overcome obstacles before they can be together, but they do end up happily ever after.

Critical Analysis

Rapunzel is a classic telling of a fairy tale that still captures the imaginations of children to this day.  It involves many of the elements that define fairy tales, such as magic and predictable endings/beginnings.  Mr. Zelinsky does a wonderful job at reflecting the Italian heritage this story comes from through the costuming of his characters and the setting.  He is known for his intricately-detailed illustrations in general, but this book takes that to another level.  The illustrations are so good, in fact, that you don’t necessarily need to read the words to understand the story.  They literally are pieces of art.    

Awards and Review Excerpts

Caldecott Award Winner

"A breathtaking interpretation gives the fairy tale new art-historical roots, with illustrations that daringly-and effectively-mimic the masters of Italian Renaissance painting."--Publishers Weekly

"Simply put, this is a gorgeous book; it demonstrates respect for the traditions of painting and the fairy tale while at the same time adhering to a singular, wholly original, artistic vision." (The Horn Book, starred review)

Connections

Rapunzel by Rachel Isadora    ISBN 0399247726

Once Upon a World: Rapunzel by Chloe Perkins    ISBN 1481490729

The Fisherman and the Turtle by Eric Kimmel

Bibliographic Data

Kimmel, E. (2008). The fisherman and the turtle. Ill. by Martha Aviles. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish Corporation.    ISBN 978-0-7614-5387-1

Summary

One day, the fisherman goes out to catch some fish to feed himself and his wife.  Normally, he has poor luck, but this time, he catches four fish and a giant turtle.  The turtle begs the fisherman to free him and explains that he is no ordinary turtle; he is magical.  In exchange for sparing his life, the turtle grants him a wish.  When the fisherman’s wife finds out he only asked for one wish, she is angry and keeps sending him back for more.  Unfortunately, her greed and selfishness will lead to her demise.

Critical Analysis

This book is an excellent retelling of The Fisherman and His Wife.  The illustrations perfectly capture the culture of the Aztecs and Mexico through the character’s costumes, the lifestyle they live, the setting, and the colorful pictures.  The illustrations are the true highlight of this story.  They are rich, unique, and full of life.  Ms. Aviles’ artistic style is unlike any other, and it’s sure to capture kids’ attention through the bright, inviting colors.  I enjoyed the story itself as well, as it taught a valuable lesson on greed and gratitude.  It would be the perfect book to use in a classroom to teach these concepts.  

Awards and Review Excerpts

“A good choice to introduce children to a culture underrepresented in picture books”-Booklist

“This welcome variant is well-suited to reading aloud, discussion and comparison.”---Kirkus Review

Connections

The Fisherman and His Wife by Rachel Isadora    ISBN 0399247718

Module 1 Book Reviews

Module 1 Book Reviews: Picture Books

Are You My Mother?

Bibliographic Data

Eastman, P. D. (1960). Are You My Mother?. Ill. by P.D. Eastman. New York, NY: Random House.

ISBN 0-394-80018-4. ISBN 0-394-90018-9.

Summary

Mother Bird senses her egg is about to hatch, so she sets out on a quest to find sustenance for her soon-to-emerge youngling.  In her absence, Baby Bird hatches early and finds himself all alone in their nest, wondering who his mother could be.  Curiosity gets the better of him, and he soon lands himself far from home.  Follow along in this classic, heartwarming tale by P.D. Eastman as Baby Bird desperately searches for his mother.     

Critical Analysis

Classified as a beginner book, Are You My Mother? is the perfect story to share with a first-grade student or younger.  Though they may not yet be able to read the words themselves, its use of repetitive, beginners’ language make this book reader-friendly and easy to navigate for even the youngest of readers.  Despite the fact it does not follow a rhyming scheme, it fits the criteria of a predictable picture book by following a distinct, easy-to-navigate pattern. 

Mr. Eastman’s illustrations wonderfully complement the text, making it easier for young readers to comprehend the words on the pages.  The characters are sure to engage students with their playful, cartoonish depictions.  Their personalities shine through!  However, the muted color palette of browns, yellows, and reds may deter students from making this their first-choice item.  Overall, readers will still gravitate towards Are You My Mother? as they have for over fifty years.   

While I personally enjoyed Are You My Mother? overall, I did find it lacking visual interest.  The browns, yellows, and reds complement one another, but I prefer brightly-colored illustrations with exquisite detail rather than a muted color palette.  I believe many students would share the same sentiment regarding the illustrations, as the pictures are what draw a reader in to a picture book.  An additional minor criticism would be in regard to the lack of variety in its vocabulary.  Yes, Are You My Mother? is a beginner book, but it is extremely limited in its word choice. 

Awards and Review Excerpts

“This must-have classic about a baby bird in search of his mother is the perfect for every day!”---School Library Journal, (starred review)

Connections

Is Your Momma a Llama? by Deborah Guarino is the perfect companion to Are You My Mother?.  Both stories fit the criteria for beginner and predictable picture books with their reader-friendly diction and repetitive patterns.  Each book also follows a newborn creature around as they search for their mother.  Unlike Are You My Mother?, Is Your Momma a Llama? uses a rhyming scheme, making it approachable for all levels of readers, even students in Pre-Kindergarten who cannot yet read to themselves. 

I recommend reading both books in a Kindergarten up to Fourth Grade classroom as a means to teach comparison and analysis.  Working either in a small group, whole group, or on their own, students could use a Venn Diagram or other graphic organizer to compare Are You My Mother? to Is Your Momma a Llama?, listing their commonalities and differences.  Then, students could analyze which of the two stories is the better book overall, justifying their opinions with specifics regarding certain criteria, such as the illustrations, rhyming versus non-rhyming story structure, word choice, etc.        

Finding Winnie

Bibliographic Data

Mattick, Lindsay (2015). Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear. Ill. by Sophie Blackall. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.

ISBN 978-0-316-32490-8

Summary

This heartwarming tale tells the true origin story of the infamous cartoon bear we all know and love, Winnie-the-Pooh.  The story is told through the voice of a mother, Lindsay, telling her young son, Cole, a bedtime story.  We learn how Lindsay’s great-grandfather, Harry Coleburn, saved a young, orphaned bear from a trapper at a train station while on his way to war.  Harry adopts Winnie, as he affectionately names her, and takes her to camp with him.  Winnie quickly shows that she is no ordinary bear and becomes the beloved mascot of Harry’s entire military unit.  Sadly, Harry realizes that a war field is no place for a bear, so he takes her to the London Zoo to stay and live her life in peace.  Soon after, a young boy named Christopher Robin Milne befriends Winnie at the zoo and names his stuffed teddy bear after her (Winnie-the-Pooh).  The rest, as they say, is history!      

Critical Analysis

The format this picture storybook is presented in, a mother telling her son a bedtime story, is one any parent can identify with, which makes this tale not only relatable but one people of any age, not just children, can enjoy.  The illustrations are absolutely stunning!  Each and every emotion is clearly conveyed through the expressions on the characters’ faces.  The scenery and landscapes are so detailed, you feel like you are traveling with Harry as he is off to war.  The interaction and unique relationship between Harry and Winnie add an emotional depth that most picture books don’t have.  When Harry has to say goodbye and leave Winnie behind, it really tugs at your heartstrings.  I truly enjoyed learning the origin of one of my favorite characters and how the infamous Winnie-the-Pooh and Christopher Robin duo came to be.  This book is a great example of families passing down their history through oral recollection since the author is Harry’s great-granddaughter.      

Awards and Review Excerpts

Awards: Caldecott Winner

"The sum total is as captivating as it is informative, transforming a personal family story into something universally resonant."―Horn Book, starred review

"A perfect melding of beautiful art with soulful, imaginative writing, this lovely story, penned by Colebourn's great-great granddaughter, is ideal for sharing aloud or poring over individually."―School Library Journal, starred review

Connections

Finding Winnie would be a great book to use to introduce fiction versus nonfiction.  Students could share what they know about Disney’s version of Winnie-the-Pooh and compare that to the true story inside these pages.  You could even have them research the true stories behind other fictional characters.

Imagine

Bibliographic Data

Colon, Raul (2018). Imagine. Ill. by Raul Colon. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

ISBN 978-1-4814-6273-0

Summary

This wordless picture book follows a young boy as he skateboards around New York City and shows the reader many wonderful components of the rich, unique culture in New York. 

Critical Analysis

I enjoyed this wordless picture book.  The illustrations had exquisite detail and told an intricate tale even thought there were no words to accompany the illustrations.  It is a wonderful story that highlights the culture of New York City and literally demonstrates how art can come to life when you use your imagination.

Awards and Review Excerpts

“Colon’s latest again challenges readers to discover inspiration through ingenious means…beautifully euphoric.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A delightful wordless tribute to the arts with a magical touch.” —Booklist (starred review)

Connections

You could share this book and Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg and have students compare them, then write the accompanying story to go with the pictures as a creative writing activity.

Lost in the Library

Bibliographic Data

Funk, Josh (2018). Lost in the Library. Ill. by Stevie Lewis. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company.

ISBN 978-1-250-15501-6

Summary

Fortitude and Patience are the stone lion guardians of the New York Public Library.  One night, they come to life and Patience goes missing.  Fortitude goes on a quest in the library, desperately searching to find his lost companion and friend.  He searches high-and-low until, finally, he discovers his friend reading in one of the many rooms of the library.  They are reunited again.    

Critical Analysis

Students will love this whimsical tale, especially the brightly-colored illustrations.  The visually-engaging pictures are incredibly detailed.  I would categorize this story as a concept picture book, as it is teaching a lesson about the character traits patience and fortitude.  Fortitude, the lion, must incorporate these traits as he searches for his friend.  Personally, I enjoyed this story, especially because there was greater depth to it.  Though its illustrations and kid-friendly characters are fun to see, it has a deeper meaning.   

Awards and Review Excerpts

“Patience, one of the New York Public Library lions, is missing and Fortitude, the other lion, searches the building from top to bottom seeking him, great read for all"- Kirkus, starred review

“With a natural, if almost too consistent read-aloud rhythm and accurate is an ode to books, friendship”--Publishers Weekly, starred review

Connections

A great follow-up companion story to this would be A Night at the Museum by Milan Trenc, as it is another tale about inanimate objects coming to life.  Students could compare the two and share which they liked best. It would also be great to teach students about patience.