How the Boogeyman Became a Poet

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Consider a class rap battle or poetry slam following the slam rules mentioned in the book! Also plan to take advantage of the thoughtful Educator Guide for the book, created by Anastasia Collins, which includes discussion questions, extension activities, and youth poetry and storytelling resources that help students think, reflect, and take positive social action on their own journeys of self-discovery and self-awareness. 

Another excellent way to share How the Boogeyman Became a Poet is to create data poems using Blackout Poetic Transcription, a method developed by Tony Keith, Jr. Have students work in pairs to interview one another about their childhood and their future plans then use Blackout Poetic Transcription to create a poem for each other. 

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. Why do you think the author chose to blend poetry, spoken word, rap, and storytelling with illustrated, handwritten drafts of poems and photographs to create this memoir? How did the format contribute to your understanding of Tony’s journey?
2. Why does Tony feel like he’s always putting on a performance? How is he living two lives? How does poetry keep him afloat? What helped him develop his identity as a poet?
3. How does the Boogeyman first haunt Tony? What challenges are Tony facing when the Boogeyman shows up and how does it affect Tony? How would you describe an experience of your own that is similar to Tony’s?
4. What did you learn from Tony’s experience as a first-generation college student? What helped him develop a positive Black identity and deal with his internalized racism? 
5. How does Tony come to discover joy, love, freedom? What awakens his knowledge of self? How did the Boogeyman become a poet?

Related Resources

How the Boogeyman Became a Poet Educator Guide from HarperCollins Children’s
Blackout Poetic Transcription (BPT) from Ed Emcees