As kids read the poems for two voices or more in these children's poetry books, they will gain a new appreciation for poetry and the spoken word. Reading poems for two or more voices can help children enhance fluency in reading aloud. They will enjoy working together as they dramatically read aloud the poems for two or more voices. Three of the children’s poetry books are by Paul Fleischman; the other, by Mary Ann Hoberman, is part of a series of children’s poetry books for two voices.
1. You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together
Mary Ann Hoberman's delightful picture book, with clever illustrations by Michael Emberley, contains very short story poems for two people to read alternately and together. Each of the 12 stories for 8-12 year olds features rhythm, rhyme, and repetition, as well as humor and an emphasis on the joys of reading. The book, one of a series, is designed to be read aloud by two people, as if, says Hoberman, it's "a little play for two voices." (Little Brown & Co., 2001. ISBN: 0316363502)
2. A Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
The entertaining sounds of insects fill these poems by Paul Fleischman, making “A Joyful Noise” a favorite with 9-14 year olds. These poems were written to be read aloud by two readers with, according to Fleischman, “the two parts meshing as in a musical duet.” Ken Nutt’s artwork, full page, detailed pencil illustrations, are dramatic and effective complements to the poetry, which brings insects to life when read aloud by two voices. (HarperCollins, 1988. ISBN: 0060218525)
3. Big Talk: Poems for Four Voices
Poems for four voices are much more challenging to present than poems for two voices, but middle school students tend to relish the challenge. The three story poems, “The Quiet Evenings Here,” “Seventh-Grade Soap Opera,” and “Ghosts’ Grace” will appeal to middle schoolers. The author, Paul Fleischman, provides a clear description of how to use the book. The poems are color-coded to make them easier for the four readers to determine their parts. (Candlewick Press, 2000. ISBN: 0763606367)4. I Am Phoenix: Poems for Two Voices
These fifteen poems for two voices are all about birds, from the phoenix and albatross to sparrows and owls. Ken Nutt’s soft pencil illustrations complement the poems by Paul Fleischman. The words of each poems are in two columns, each to be read by one person, sometimes individually, sometimes together. I recommend it for upper elementary and middle school students. (Harper & Row, 1985. ISBN: 0060218819)