“For a class, or to work up enthusiasm about writing – and not just poetry – one could hardly do better for young people than this fresh and inviting collection.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
How do you write poetry? It’s a question with as many answers as there are poets. Now, in this unprecedented volume, thirty-two internationally renowned poets provide words of wisdom and inspiring examples of their own work for new poets everywhere.
Compiled by anthologist extraordinaire Paul B. Janeczko, a talented poet in his own right, this outstanding resource offers a fascinating spectrum of advice from those who know best – ranging from “break a few rules” to “read Shakespeare’s sonnets in the bathroom” to “revise each poem at least thirty-two times.” Not surprisingly, the most frequently made suggestion from these seasoned poets is simply to “read, read, read!” This rich volume – an ideal resource for classroom teachers and a beautiful gift for budding writers of all ages – offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Seeing the Blue Between Incredible! I felt like the poets were talking to me as I read the book. They inspire both younger and older audiences to be brave and give poetry writing a try. Wonderful selection of poems as well as advice!
Highly Recommended for Writing Teachers of Upper Elementary and Up This anthology is a unique way to get students excited about creating poetry. Each section begins with an open letter from a real, published poet. They write about the writing process, their inspirations, and how they decide what to write about. Then there are one or two poems by that poet. I read aloud one letter/poem each day during our poetry unit. My fifth graders loved it. It was like having a real poet in the room conversing with them. Subsequently, I found my students own poetry…
Definitely Inspiring This book’s subtitle is “Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets,” and the book lives up to its promise, and then some. Editor Paul B. Janeczko asked 32 poets for young people to write a letter of advice or inspiration to kids who want to write poetry. The 32 poets did just that, and each included two of his/her poems. This is the kind of book you don’t have to read in any order: you just look at a name you know, or a poem whose title intrigues you, and you leap in. Inspiring . . . and not just…