Poetry Month for Kids

April is National Poetry Month! Now is the perfect time to check out a book of poetry. There are many great ones to choose from! Here are a few recommendations of recently published works of poetry for children.

A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
Originally published by Golden Press in 1951, this new edition features restored artwork and classic poems for children. (Kindergarten - Grade 3)

Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer
A lovely story about a young boy who asks all the animals he passes in the park, "What is poetry?" Together, they discover poetry all around. (Kindergarten - Grade 3)

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems selected by Paul B. Janeczko
Short poems on seasons and the natural world. (Grades 1-3)

Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives & Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan
A 2017 Newbery Honor Book and a 2017 Coretta Scott King Author & Illustrator Honor Book. This award winning poetry collection creates a powerful picture of the lives of 11 slaves. (Grades 4-6)

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young by Michael Rosen
Silly rhymes and poems full of great rhythm. (Toddler-Preschool)

One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance by Nikki Grimes
A collection of poems celebrating the poets of the Harlem Renaissance accompanied by beautiful artwork and historical notes. (Grades 5-8)

Somos como las nubes / We Are Like The Clouds by Jorge Argueta, translated by Elisa Amado
Bilingual poems that describe the experiences and emotions of children refugees and immigrants. (Grades 3-6)

Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems by Bob Raczka
A delightful collection of poems presented in interesting, visually appealing pages. (Grades 3-6)

When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano
Short poems that capture a child's view of the different seasons. (Kindergaten - Grade 3)

For more resources on sharing poetry with children, check out the Poetry Foundation. Did you know that the Poetry Foundation appoints a Young Peoples Poet Laureate every two years? Author Jacqueline Woodson is currently serving in this role! You can learn more about the Young People's Poet Laureate here. This person "aims to raise awareness that young people have a nation receptivity to poetry and are its most appreciate audience, especially when poems are written specifically for them."

Happy Poetry Month!