Where the Sidewalk Ends - Children's Poetry

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Author: Shel Silverstein

Genre: Poetry, Comedy

Publisher: Harper Collins

Copyright Date: 1974

Number of Pages: 309

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book, New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, New York Times Notable, George C. Stone Center for Children's Books Recognition of Merit Award, Golden Archer Award.

Grade Level: 3-5

Summary:

A large collection of Shel Silversteins' poems and drawing that are sure to delight children. You will read the stories of The Acrobats, Captain Hook, and The Googies. You will learn of the Invisible Boy, the Giant, and The Worst. Within the pages you will find deserted houses, Santa, and Dancing Pants. Where the Sidewalk Ends is where the magical world of Shel Silverstein begins. 

Use in Teaching:

Where the Sidewalk Ends lends itself to many classroom uses. Students can make make connections with the poems (text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world) by using a double-entry journal. Where the Sidewalk Ends could also be used to increase reading comprehension through making inferences while reading.  

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/guided-comprehension-making-connections-228.html?tab=4

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Inference-with-Poetry-Lesson-using-Where-the-Sidewalk-Ends-by-Shel-Silverstein-352801

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two of the five elements of plot structure.	The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.	Not Applicable: This is a collection of poetry and therefore there is not a plot within the book.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.	3 Bookmarks: The characters within the individual poems are well developed and relatable even though some of the poems are very short.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.	3 Bookmarks: This is a large collection of poems but still the pacing of the book keeps the reader engaged and interested in the next poem.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.	3 Bookmarks: A classic that I still remember reading from my own childhood that will keep kids interested and engaged.