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Poetry Books |
Shel Silverstein Books |
Emily Dickinson Books |
Edgar Allen Poe Books |
Poetry Puns and Prose Books |
| One word has the power to set fear in the hearts of English students of all ages. That word is poetry. Much maligned as boring and difficult to comprehend, the dread of poetry can be potentially averted by introducing it at a young age. There are many poetry books written and intended for young people. Some, particularly those humorous in nature, will appeal to readers of all ages. Parents who share - and enjoy - delightful and lighthearted poetry with their youngsters stand a very good chance of encouraging their appreciation of this literary form as they grow. Something as easy to follow as the rhythmic silliness of Dr. Seuss will get them started in the right direction. One of the best-known, truly adored children's poets is Shel Silverstein. A household name with poetry lovers, Mr. Silverstein might have been better known in other circles for being a composer and songwriter. Some of his most recognizable songs were sung by the likes of Johnny Cash and Dr. Hook. Having worked as a cartoonist, he was eventually convinced to try his hand at children's books. One of his early successes was "The Giving Tree." However, in the world of poetry, he is loved and indeed immortalized for his collection entitled "Where the Sidewalk Ends." His poems appeal to children on their level. His characters misbehave, have typical childhood fears, deal with death - and pick their nose. Supplement all this whimsy with Mr. Silverstein's own black and white line drawings and what's not to love? Expose a child to giggle-inducing poetry books like Bruce Lansky's "My Teacher's in Detention" or a compilation book such as "No More Homework! No More Tests!" and suddenly school - and the logical by-product called a love of learning - becomes more entertaining and less intimidating. Reading with them and laughing with them over poems about relatable topics like messy lockers, classroom critters, bus drivers and teachers who get in trouble too, will surely set the tide in motion for openness to more advanced poetry books. As they progress into their angst-filled, rebellious pre-teen and teen years, these same children may become attracted to - or may be required to read - the darker works of Edgar Allen Poe or Emily Dickinson. In fact, a series of books called "Poetry for Young People" includes titles that cover the works of both Poe and Dickinson, along with other famous poets such as Walt Whitman and William Shakespeare. These books strive to make the more difficult, adult poetry palatable, appealing and easy to understand. They include notes and glossaries to aid in comprehension and soft, colorful images that make the material far from threatening. It may be difficult for some families, parents and even educators to put aside their acquired distaste for poetry but it seems a shame to deny young people the opportunity to explore such fascinating work. Poetry can become a wonderful form of self-expression and a great outlet for interpretation of feelings in difficult times throughout adolescence. From the first day a child learns to rhyme "cat" and "hat," they have entered the world of poetry. Supplementing their personal library with quality poetry books is truly an exceptional gift. |
Poetry Books |