April is National Poetry Month, and I, too, like it! From picture books with poems to novels in verse for middle grade readers and fun activities, there are so many ways to involve poetry in library plans.
Research shows that poetry is good for the brain! Why? Because creative language use builds pro-social skills like self awareness and empathy. Poetry encourages word play, and the use of rhyme, rhythm, and meaning-making means poetry also plays a role in building literacy skills. Best of all, poetry involves a lot of white space on the page, which can build confidence and reading success for reluctant readers.
Poetry is where it’s at!
From read alouds to displays, there are some amazing ALSC blogs exploring how children’s library spaces can make room for poetry to explore. Visit the Poetry Foundation for excellent poetry activities, program ideas, and resources. Whether you opt for active or passive programs (or a little of both), having fun with words lets poetry happen.
Some of my favorite poetry programs require a little prep but provide a payoff in big fun. Simple handouts with writing prompts can include shape poems, list poems, and acrostics. “Found language” can also encourage poetic explorers. A little cut and paste prep time with discarded childrens’s magazines can provide a fun prompt for collage poems. Word magnets and pages from discarded books to create blackout poems are great too. A combination of any (or all) of these can be included in hands on incredible poetry workshop, making the power of poetry available to youth.
If you’re looking for a few book tips to add to displays, book clubs, pr activites, here are a few of my favorites.
Land of the Cranes by Alda Salazar tells the story of nine year old immigrant girl and her family as they flee Mexico seeking the safety of political asylum in the U.S. only to find institutional challenges and confusion.
The Girl in the Walls by Meg Eden Kuyatt is an exciting middle grade horror novel in verse where ghosts and secrets invade summer with grandma.
Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga is a hopeful, contemporary story of home, family, and friends.
When Winter Robeson Came by Brenda Woods is a historical novel in verse set in 1965 about a 13 year old boy named Winter, searching for his father.
Deer Run Home by Ann Clare LeZotte is the compelling story of Effie, a Deaf 12 year old girl who, amidst family crisis and neglect, is struggling at school and repeating fifth grade.
The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife by Erica Silverman offers inspiring words & gorgeous illustrations by Ginnie Hsu. Each piece tells a story of environmental activism and change makers working at local levels for global impact.
Hot tip: include a few biographies of poets in displays to capture the attention of nonfiction enthusiasts and budding poets alike, from Woods & Words: The Story of Poet Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman, Naoko Stoop (Illustrator) to Imagine by Juan Felipe Herrera, Lauren Castillo (Illustrator). There are oodles to choose from!
Middle Grade cover images courtesy of Scholastic Press
Picture book cover images courtesy of Beach Lane Books, Clarion Books, and Candlewick
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