America At War

 Hopkins, Lee Bennett. 2008.  America At War.  New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books. 

This anthology of poems about war is moving and brings out various emotions as you read through the poems.  The anthology has poems about war beginning with The American Revolution and goes all the way to the current war in Iraq.  The poems are written in different voices, a few of those are soldiers, parents, and siblings.   While reading the anthology I felt a range of emotions and feelings, and the illustrations that accompany the poem enhances the mood and emotions each poem brings out.

The poems are a variety of types, and each poem touches on a different sense.  This anthology includes both new poets as well as older and deceased poets. Each poem contributes to the book and the essence of War.  Although none of the poems have a happy tone, their are some that make you smile or have a slightly happier tone than others.

This book could be used in a history classroom as a teaching tool or an enhancement to a larger lesson. At the beginning of each section is historical facts about the war, the dates and how many soldiers were lost and injured from the US.  Not only do the poems make you think about history and what wars have cost ours and other countries, but it also teaches you about each war in a deeper level.  

Personally, I feel this anthology is a must have for all middle school and high school libraries. It would be a great resource for history teachers, students who are interested in history, as well as students or teachers who just like poetry. It would also be a must have for all public libraries.