Life Doesn’t Frighten Me is a remarkable poem that explores the theme of courage in the face of life's scares.

It mentions common fears like snakes and unfriendly classmates, but the speaker remains unfazed, armed with a mysterious magic charm.

This poem beautifully emphasizes the power of bravery that lies within each of us.

The book is an excellent introduction to poetry and art for young students.

Maya Angelou's powerful words are combined with Basquiat's contemporary art, creating a one-of-a-kind literary experience.

It can serve as a starting point for an author study on Maya Angelou or other poets, as well as an artist study.

Students can even try their hand at writing similar poetry and creating contemporary art.

Teachers can take it a step further by having students recite and act out the poem in class.

This is a truly WOW book as it empowers readers to be courageous when faced with life's scary challenges.

It acknowledges that certain things can be scary but reassures readers that they don't have to be frightened.

This is a crucial message for kids, as their fears are often dismissed by adults.

It's important to validate their fears while also letting them know that they are brave and strong inside and should not let life "frighten them at all."

Listen as the wonderful Maya Angelou reads her poem aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sn1kZ...

Divu geniālu cilvēku kopdarbs! Izcili!

This phrase implies the remarkable collaboration between two genius individuals. When such talented minds come together, the results are bound to be outstanding. Their combined skills, creativity, and intellect can lead to extraordinary achievements. Whether it's in the fields of science, art, business, or any other area, their synergy can drive innovation and progress. The work they produce is likely to be of the highest quality, leaving a lasting impact. This kind of partnership showcases the power of teamwork and the potential that lies within the union of great minds. It serves as an inspiration for others to strive for excellence and seek out collaborations that can bring out the best in them.

A short, but an artful read that fuses Maya's Poetry deepness & simplicity, with Basquit's chaotic & delirious art.

This combination creates a unique and captivating experience for the reader. Maya's poetry, known for its profound insights and simple yet powerful表达方式, intertwines with Basquit's art, which is characterized by its chaotic and delirious nature.

The result is a work that challenges the reader's perception and takes them on a journey through different emotions and ideas. It invites them to explore the depths of Maya's poetry while also being immersed in the wild and untamed world of Basquit's art.

Despite its short length, this read packs a punch and leaves a lasting impression. It is a testament to the power of combining different art forms and the beauty that can emerge from such a fusion.

"Life Doesn't Frighten Me" is a remarkable children's book. It is based on the poem by Maya Angelou and features paintings by Jean Michel-Basquiat. This book is an elegantly simple piece of literature that conveys a powerful message.

In today's world, children are confronted with numerous things that can frighten them. From bullying in schools to the terrifying specter of school shootings, from natural disasters that can upend lives to the ravages of war and the hardships of poverty. In the face of all these fears, this book serves as an excellent guide. It teaches children how to bravely confront their fears and not let them be overwhelmed.

The paintings by Basquiat are a perfect match for the lines of the poem. They bring the words to life in a more vivid and engaging way, making a lasting impression. The book is both eloquent and satisfying. It is definitely the kind of book that I would eagerly read over and over again and share with others, as I have a deep love for it. It has the potential to inspire and empower children, giving them the courage to face the challenges and fears that come their way.

Life Doesn’t Frighten Me by Maya Angelou, paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Additional Poetry Selection

I truly adored the concept that underpinned this book! As I was reading, several thoughts crossed my mind. The capacity to stand firm and be completely fearless is of utmost importance to impart to young children. Being without fear is a quality that I seldom encounter in young kids. This book enables students who read it to reflect on their fears and understand the reasons behind them.

The illustrations in this book are extremely abstract. I found them to be more of a distraction rather than something I took pleasure in viewing. They consisted of a diverse range of colors throughout the images on each page. Nevertheless, I did have a great affection for the image of the dinosaur!

I awarded this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I gave it a 4 because I was deeply in love with the story within the book. However, I simply was not a fan of the illustrations present.

One of my favorite books to utilize in a New York City classroom is truly a remarkable piece.

It beautifully combines a wonderful and deeply poignant poem by Maya Angelou with the magnificent and accessible paintings of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a native New Yorker.

The children seem to be captivated by the elevated simplicity of the paintings. After we have read the book, they are always extremely eager to recreate the format of paintings and poetry.

It serves as an excellent introduction to poetry, especially during Halloween when we start to discuss and think about being frightened.

Furthermore, it offers a wonderful glimpse into the world of contemporary art and can be used as a great primer for a visit to MoMA, where one can see some of Basquiat's work.

With older children, it can facilitate conversations about drug use and its perils or many other contemporary issues.

Some of the images are slightly on the frightening side, at least when compared to the typical illustrations in children's books. However, they enhance and strengthen Maya Angelou's words.

I would highly recommend reading it with students and then having them create some art to accompany other poems, perhaps even their own!

Another timely read!

As we've read/listened to "To This Day", it truly stands out as a remarkable piece.

This is the perfect companion piece for all who belong to the class of We Made It!

It offers a unique perspective and a sense of validation for those who have overcome various challenges and reached a point of achievement.

The words and the message within it resonate deeply, touching the hearts of many.

Whether it's through the power of the written word or the emotional impact of listening, "To This Day" and this companion piece together create a powerful combination.

They serve as a reminder that we are not alone in our journey and that our efforts and perseverance have paid off.

For those in the class of We Made It, these works are like a celebration of their success and a source of inspiration for the future.

They encourage us to continue moving forward, knowing that we have the strength within us to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.

So, if you're looking for a meaningful and timely read that will touch your soul, look no further than these two pieces.

They are sure to leave a lasting impression and give you the motivation you need to keep on shining.

Reflections and lessons learned, the content of this book made me feel deeply.

“Don't show me the frogs and snakes
And listen for my scream,
If I'm afraid at all
It's only in my dreams.”

This poem presents a perfect marriage of strong but vulnerable words and pictures. It vividly shows that life can be full of challenges, like facing frogs and snakes that might cause fear. However, it also emphasizes that humans are stronger.

Even though there might be moments of fear, it's only in our dreams. In reality, we have the inner strength to overcome difficulties and face life's challenges bravely.

It reminds us that we should not let our fears hold us back but rather use them as a source of motivation to become stronger and more resilient.

This book has truly opened my eyes and made me reflect on my own life and the challenges I have faced. It has taught me valuable lessons about the power of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.

I will definitely take these lessons with me and apply them to my future endeavors.

The more you grow up, the more fear seems to become an acquaintance we are used to.

In this remarkable book, it delves into the various frightening aspects of life that we, as human beings, often tend to be afraid of. It ranges from very simple things like animals to the mysterious darkness.

It is a short story presented in a rhyming format, with each line flowing gracefully. It vividly tells about the scary incidents that occur in our lives and the different levels of fear they evoke within us.

Ultimately, the author reveals that none of these things are actually frightening to her at all.

The major themes in the book are centered around fighting against adversity. The fear we have of things creates a mental barrier, compelling us to think that we cannot overcome them. The fears we hold back make us less capable than we truly are. However, this book teaches us that if we dare to challenge adversity, we can emerge stronger.

Another significant theme is confidence. When it comes to our fears, if we can find the courage to be bold and take risks, we can break free from the mental block that holds us back.

The main genre of this book is poetry. It offers children a valuable opportunity to learn how to face their fears, which can be anything. It imparts the important lesson that no fear should be greater than us and take over our lives. Additionally, it teaches children that having fears is a normal part of being human.

The fears we encounter every day can be diverse, such as a fear of insects or a fear of the unknown future. These fears make us who we are, connecting us with our emotions and presenting us with challenges that can make us mentally stronger.

This book was truly a "WOW" book for me because it conveys a powerful message to everyone. It shows that the fears we have are not meant to paralyze us but rather to make us stronger and help us overcome small challenges along the way.

Two of the literary devices the author skillfully used in writing this book were rhyme and imagery. These devices added a significant quality to the writing, enhancing the overall experience of the book by engaging the readers through the catchy rhymes and vivid imagery. It allows the reader to vividly imagine their own fears and how they relate to the content of the book. The author's use of rhythm, with the repeated sentence "life doesn't frighten me anyway," is both catchy and memorable.

I would highly recommend this book as it is an anti-bias book that connects all ideas about strength and fears. It is a book for everyone, focusing on the universal concept rather than a personal opinion. It has the potential to inspire and empower readers of all ages to face their fears and become stronger individuals.

This empowering children's book, written by the remarkable Maya Angelou, is truly a powerful piece.

It vividly expresses the range of fears that children often experience and emphasizes that they should not be a cause for great concern. Jean-Michel Basquiat's illustrations beautifully complement Angelou's theme.

The book is generally suitable for second grade and above, as younger children might have some difficulty grasping the underlying message.

Although it doesn't have any specific awards, Angelou's status as an accomplished novelist and activist means her work doesn't require external validation.

Angelou points out various things that are typically scary for a young child, such as a man in the park, noises in the hall, big scary dogs, ghosts, and more.

She always ends each passage with the reassuring line "life doesn't frighten me at all". The pictures depict the kind of nightmarish figures that are associated with the scary things she describes.

She progresses from mystical beings to boys teasing her in class, yet still, she remains unfrightened. The only time she admits to being scared is in her dreams.

She concludes the book with the repeated refrain of how life doesn't frighten her at all.

This is an excellent book that many children can relate to, as it addresses the fears that are common during this stage of their lives.

Angelou is the perfect advocate for these words of courage, as she asserts that these non-existent things are not real and are simply fears that can be overcome.

She tells the children reading the book that they don't need to be afraid, which is an extremely important message.

The illustrations work in perfect harmony with her words, enhancing the overall impact. Her clever use of rhyming makes the book educational, informative, and fun.

The repetition of the main title gives the story unity and ties everything together seamlessly, resulting in a charming children's poem that even adults can appreciate.

Kids can engage with the book by writing down the things that scare them, sharing with a friend, and working through their fears.

They can also write a fill-in-the-blank passage in a similar style to Angelou's. Additionally, they could read other Angelou books or excerpts that convey the same message but on different topics, allowing them to apply it to various aspects of their lives.

Powerful illustrations accompany this empowering poetry.

These illustrations are not just mere visual aids but rather an integral part of the overall experience. They enhance the impact of the poetry, bringing the words to life in a vivid and tangible way. Each illustration is carefully crafted to capture the essence and emotion of the corresponding poem. Whether it's a bold and colorful image that jumps off the page or a more subdued and minimalist design, they all serve to deepen the reader's connection with the text. The combination of the powerful poetry and the captivating illustrations creates a truly immersive and inspiring experience. It allows the reader to not only read the words but also see and feel the emotions and ideas that the poet is trying to convey.

This synergy between the written word and the visual art makes this collection of poetry even more powerful and memorable. It invites the reader to explore the depths of their own emotions and to find inspiration and empowerment within the pages of this book.

Life Doesn’t Frighten Me is a remarkable piece of literature that focuses on the theme of conquering fears.

It begins by addressing common childhood fears such as shadows on the wall and bodies down the hall. These are fears that many children experience, and the book aims to assist them in overcoming these apprehensions.

After presenting each fear, the author repeatedly states, "Life doesn't frighten me at all," before moving on to the next one. The primary genre of the book is Poetry and novels in verse, which gives it a unique and engaging quality.

Children can learn numerous valuable lessons from this book. For instance, it teaches them how to face their fears, which is of utmost importance starting at a young age. Another significant lesson is the development of self-confidence that comes with confronting fears. This is a challenging concept to teach children, but by standing up to their fears, they can become more self-assured.

This book had a profound impact on me personally. When I was younger, I shared many of the same fears, especially of dark hallways. It truly stood out for me, and I still vividly remember the first time I summoned the courage to walk up the basement stairs instead of running. It was because I had convinced myself, just like the book suggests, that even if the lights are off, no one will suddenly appear and attack me.

I found the author's writing style to be highly rhythmic and easy to follow, making it effortless for kids to pay attention. The repetition of the phrase "Life doesn't frighten me" helps children remember it and serves as a powerful reminder that when they face something scary, they can stop and repeat it to boost their courage.

Moreover, this book is entirely bias-free. I did not come across anything that was stereotypical or harmful to any group of people. It is a wonderful resource that can help children build resilience and confidence in the face of their fears.