June's Libro del Mes: The Wild Book

The Wild Book

by Margarita Engle

Margarita Engle is a Cuban-American poet whose works have earned her the distinction of being a multiple literary award winner. Her novels The Surrender Tree and The Poet Slave of Cuba have made her a Pura Belpré Author Award Winner, an Américas Award Winner, and a Newberry Honor-Winning Author - just to name a few! 

But I had not had the opportunity yet to read one of her magnificent books. 

Until now.

A few months ago, I wrote to Ms. Engle and requested a copy of her latest release, The Wild Book. I was intrigued after watching a short video of her reading a passage. She was so nice and put me in touch with the publisher, who sent a copy right away.

Inspired by the childhood of Engle's own grandmother, this beautiful tale chronicles "Fefa's" struggle with dyslexia. The novel is written in verse with short poems that share important moments of Fefa's life. I read this book to my children at bedtime over several nights. I don't know why, but I always wonder if they are understanding what is being described when we read poetic works. But they asked not a single question, and quite readily repeated back to me what had transpired the last time we read. Even now, weeks later, my daughter remembers details that I don't.

Perhaps this is because the poems contain such vivid imagery. Engle is a master at crafting words into stories. At creating lives to which the reader can relate. My kids quietly reveled in each word and image. Take this poem:

The Poetry Duel

To please my mother,
the poems are Rubé Dario's
verses about swans
and flying horses,
and a strange one about
mental earthquakes,
and an angry poem
for world leaders
who try to bully
the future
with bullets.

There is a drumbeat
verse about loving
your own rhythm

and the encouraging one
about God's towers
of hope

and a joyful little verse
about eggs in a warm nest
in a warm tree.

There is even a poem
that helps me feel normal,
a comforting verse
about feeling blinded
by daydreams.

When Mamá stands up
and recites a LOUD verse-
just like a man -
she chooses the one
about gold seashells
that look like hearts.

That is how I know
that she must be dreaming
of the peaceful beach
where we camp
only once
each summer
even though we live
so close
to the rolling blue sea
that there is nothing
to stop us
from living like mermaids.

We could be discovering
undersea treasures
each day,
gold shells that resemble
wave-washed
hearts.

Teachers and parents, I would strongly recommend this book as a read-aloud for children ages 6 and up. It would go nicely with studies on culture, poetry, special needs, dyslexia, family, learning to read, and much, much more.

This book has left me eager to read more of Engle's novels. And I can certainly understand why she has received so many awards in recognition of her work.

If you would like to buy your own copy of The Wild Book, we have both new and gently used copies available here. Or you can follow the link in our sidebar to the LBBC’s on-line store.

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Disclosure: I requested a review copy of this book, and the publisher sent me one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.