Following the discussion of Tupac Shakur’s The Rose That Grew from Concrete, the Dreamers of Tomorrow book club had a special event called “What is a Book?” Shana Johnson, a local artist and author, talked to the teens about her own unique work and how it redefines what constitutes a book. Johnson takes ordinary items, such as an old pair of jeans, and turns them into literary artwork that also represents her identity. She brought boxes and art supplies so that the teens could create “poetry boxes.” They decorated the outsides of the boxes with names, inspiring words and quotes, paper, and designs, all of which the teens considered expressions of their personalities, goals, and relationships. They then glued journals and envelopes (in which they can put scrap pieces of paper containing poetry and artwork) inside the boxes so that the boxes could become their personal spaces for their poetry.
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Top: Shana Johnson speaks to students. Bottom: photo boxes created by teens at Randallstown Public Library. Photos courtesy of Brenda Perkins. |
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