Stewart, J. (1987). Kentucky is my land. Ashland, Kentucky: The Jesse Stuart Foundation
Kentucky is my Land is a beautifully written poetry book that expresses the beauty and the nature in Kentucky. The author of the book is Jesse Stuart, who is orginally from the Appalachian part of Kentucky.The poems in the book were written right after World War II. Stuart is a very patriotic American and a proud Kentuckian who speaks through his poetry. He believes that Kentucky is the "heart of the nation." Throughout the book, Stuart discusses Kentucky's landscape and the changing of the seasons. He writes with a concern of the land and how it's important for humans to preserve it. In his poetry, Stuart also speaks of the tradition of horse racing and the state's role in the war. The description in his poems really helps to paint a picture in my mind. Someone who has never visited Kentucky can read his book in order to develop a mental picture of the beautiful landscape. One of my favorite descriptive lines in his book is..."and the leafless trees etched on gray winter skies were strong and substantial lines of poetry." If you close your eyes and hear this being read, then you can picture what winter looks like in Kentucky. The first poem in his book is called "Kentucky is My Land." This poem is an introduction for the entire book. It lets readers understand how Kentucky is "the heart of the nation." In this poem Stuart mentions how other parts of the United States are wonderful, but are nothing compared to Kentucky. While reading the book I noticed a few metaphors and personification. An example of personification is, "Where the endless field of growing corn was a dark cloud that hugged the earth." (page 16)
After reading a few poems to my students, I would have them write about their favorite season in Kentucky and to explain why it is their favorite. Students can be told to use many descriptive words to describe their favorite season and they can draw a picture to go along with their writing.
A BIG question that I would ask students is..."Why is it important to take care of our land and resources?"
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