Looking at Literature with a Beat includes 10 poems from 10 American authors and eras, with accompanying songs that either directly refer to the poem or convey a theme that is similar to the poem.

Each unit features:

• short biographies of the poet and the songwriter;
• background and summary for both the poem and the lyrics to provide context for students;
• poem and song lyrics with close-reading exercises presented in two columns. The left-hand column features the reprinted poem and song; the right-hand “Notes” column includes questions for students to answer as they work through the poem and song lyrics to uncover deeper meaning and reveal the literary techniques used in the work;
• web links that allow students to see and hear the poem and song performed;
• sections that require an action: discussion, writing prompts, research, and enrichment activities that reinforce learning.

Selections:

• Edgar Allan Poe, "Annabel Lee," and Tiger Army, "Annabel Lee"
• Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself," and Blackmore’s Night, "Sake of the Song"
• Edwin Arlington Robinson, "Richard Cory," and Simon and Garfunkel, "Richard Cory"
• Emily Dickinson, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," and Terry Jacks, "Seasons in the Sun"
• Paul Laurence Dunbar, "Sympathy," and Alicia Keys, "Caged Bird"
• Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken," and George Harrison, "Any Road"
• Langston Hughes, "Mother to Son," and Tupac Shakur, "Dear Mama"
• Countee Cullen, "Saturday’s Child," and Harry Chapin, "Cat’s in the Cradle"
• Elizabeth Bishop, "The Fish," and Third Day, "The Victory"
• Nikki Giovanni, "Choices," and Taylor Swift, "Change"

©2016. English. High school. Reproducible. 200 pages. 

Book Download: PDF. We recommend Foxit PDF for viewing or editing PDFs. PDF pages include color images and clickable web links.

Print Book: Spiral-bound. 8 x 11 inches. Black and white pages.

About the Author

Judy Wilburn Hill earned her bachelor’s degree in Education at Texas Christian University and her master’s degree in English at the University of North Texas. She has taught secondary English, served as Coordinator for Advanced Academics, and worked as a Curriculum Specialist. She served as English department head and created the SAT Prep programs for various high schools.

Judy’s passion is British literature, and she has visited England three times to enhance her knowledge and teaching. Having taught ninth-grade English through Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition, she has a passion for teaching all levels of students.