Discusses five forms of traditional oral poetry from around the world which not only provide a window into the cultures that nourish them, but inspire students to perform poetry, both their own and that from literature. Offers examples of each form, and presents writing exercises and ideas for students. (SR)

This book covers works of fiction, oral tradition, and poetry published from 1994 through 1999, and is deemed suitable for young people from preschool through high school. The book deals with four major ethnic groups within the United States: African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native-American Indians. It contains 561…