Daisy and the Doll
Written by Michael Medearis & Angela Shelf Medearis
Illustrated by Larry Johnson
Growing up on a farm in Vermont in the late 1800s, eight year old Daisy Turner didn’t notice skin color until her end-of-school program. Assigning a doll to each girl, the teacher requested that each girl recite a short, pre-written poem about their dolls country of origin and nationality. Suddenly, the coal, black skin of her assigned doll and the laughter of her classmates gravely upset Daisy. Due to the variety of complexions in her own family of fifteen, skin color had never been important to her…until that day.
After her father reassures her of both her beauty and that of her doll, Daisy recites her own poem about the doll. Floored by her speech, the judges award Daisy first prize! The laughter she had endured had turned to applause!
I’m impressed that Daisy was able to instantly create and recite her poem on the spot. The end of the book provides a few games and activities to help practice creating your own poems. Plus, more information is provided about Daisy Turner and her poetic statement. Read more >>
Buy the Book: Daisy and the Doll
Originally posted on March 21, 2021.