Joyful Noise

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

Author: Paul Fleischman

Genre: Poetry

Ages: 6-12 years old

Summary: This wonderful book for children was written to be read by two voices. Some of the poems are funny, some are sad, some are happy, and the way the poems are intended to be read varies as well. Some poems are meant to be alternated between two people, and others are to be read simultaneously.

Pre-Reading Activity: Discuss different elements of poetry, review what personification is and how it is used in poetry. 

Post-Reading Activity: Allow students to pair up and create their own poems meant to be read either simultaneously by two people or in alternating voices. 

Reflection: This is a really great book to use to either introduce children to poetry or to continue with a lesson on poetry. The poems are very engaging and students will enjoy being able to read them together. 

About the Author: 

Paul Fleischman

Paul Fleischman grew up in Santa Monica, California in a house with a printing press, a grand piano, a shortwave radio, and his father—children’s author Sid Fleischman. Playing recorder in early music consorts led to his books of verbal duets—I Am Phoenix, Joyful Noise (winner of the 1989 Newbery Medal), and Big Talk. His novels built from monologues include Bull Run, a 16-character account of the Civil War's first battle, and Seedfolks—the chronicle of the first year of a Cleveland community garden. His interest in theater inspired his young adult novels Mind's Eye, Seek, and Breakout, all of which revolve around the spoken word. His historical fiction includes Saturnalia and The Borning Room. He's written nonfiction and picture books as well, including Time Train, Weslandia, and Sidewalk Circus.

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