Somebody Give This Heart a Pen
on Goodreads (1,532)
What’s inside...
A collection of poetry and prose that explores various themes through the personal experiences of the author. Sophia Thakur, a young poet and activist, shares her journey of growing up as a young woman of color, dealing with self-love, self-acceptance, and the solace found in words. In a powerful debut, rising star Sophia Thakur brings her spoken word performance to the page.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading the poems, and which poem made you feel the strongest emotion?
How do the themes of growth and resilience in the poems relate to experiences in your own life?
Sophia Thakur writes about finding one’s voice. How do you express yourself when you have strong feelings or ideas?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge, similar to a scenario in one of the poems?
What are your thoughts on how the author uses metaphors and imagery to convey her messages?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Discuss the power of poetry as a form of expression and encourage your child to write their own poem about a personal experience.
Use examples from the book and your child’s life to explore themes of growth and challenges, reinforcing the message that overcoming difficulties is a part of life.
Connect the poems to real-life situations by asking your child to relate characters or scenarios from the book to people or events they know.
Foster an empathetic environment where your child feels comfortable discussing sensitive topics brought up in the book, ensuring a supportive conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression through poetry
Explanation: Sophia Thakur uses her poems in 'Somebody Give This Heart a Pen' as a medium to articulate personal feelings and experiences, allowing readers to see effective self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their emotions and thoughts through writing, helping them communicate more effectively and manage their feelings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in face of adversity
Explanation: Several poems explore themes of overcoming hardships and emotional turmoil, inspiring readers to find strength within themselves.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persevere through their own challenges, whether they be at school, in sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Thakur's poems often delve into deep emotional states and experiences of different individuals, prompting readers to understand and empathize with diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more considerate and understanding towards the feelings and situations of others around them.
Example Lesson: The importance of identity
Explanation: The book explores personal identity and the journey to self-discovery, helping readers reflect on their own sense of self.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of knowing and embracing their unique qualities, which is crucial during their formative years.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Through her poetry, Thakur touches on elements of her culture and heritage, providing a rich context for readers.
Real-World Application: Children can gain an appreciation for different cultures, enhancing their global awareness and promoting inclusivity.