The Girls in the Circle ( Just for You!)

The Girls in the Circle is written by the well-known Nikki Giovanni. This book of poetry gives readers a dose of what may be their own reality. It is about a group of young African American girls playing dress-up with clothing from their grandmother’s closet! The girls are having an exciting time putting on lipstick and perfume but they have absolutely nowhere to go! How many young African American girls can relate to this in some way? I know there are many!

This book would fall under the realistic fiction genre. The events in this book are actually events that are realistic and very well may take place or have taken place in real life. While poetry is often treated as a separate genre, Nikki Giovanni is an award winning poetry writer and has always been a favorite to most readers which is why this book is full of rhymes with motivational activities that could possibly be included. One motivational activity that could be included as an activity used with this book is a self-esteem activity for young girls who may be experiencing difficulties in their childhood. Many young African American girls are faced with those issues in school and at home. Another activity may be a family together time when parent and other family members can join in with the girls and dress up. I find that to be a perfect way to bond with children and to discuss things that may be bothering them or upsetting them in school or at home.

 

Questions I would include after reading this book would be:

What words did the author use to rhyme with bows?

How can you tell if the girls are having an excited time?

What do you think the girls were getting dressed up for?

 

 

 

This book is a great book illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson. The illustrations gave readers a vivid picture of beautiful little girls having a great time with each other and their family members. The colors are eye capturing for young readers and the words could easily grab the attention of young listeners with the right tone and with the same excitement as the girls, if you use your imagination!

 

Below is an example of an activity that I would do with my children or students to engage them!

 

( While we are in the circle, after reading the book, I would ask the girls to get up and I would make my own poetry and dance session.)

 

Get up! Join in! Move around! Let's bring this book to life! 

 

Hey guys!

The girls in the book want to have some fun with you!

Let's put on grandma's scarf and pretty pearls too!

Don't be shy and don't be blue.

You are beautifully made, smart, intelligent, and simply wonderful!

-Comec'ko Webber

 

Enjoy! :)