If your older elementary or middle school child enjoys writing poetry or wants to learn about writing poetry, the following books may be helpful. They include a guide to poetic forms, writing prompts, writing tips, and advice from published poets. These books would also make good gifts for poetry writing tweens and young teens.
1. A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms
Candlewick Press
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms provides an introduction to 29 different poetic forms, with poetry selected by Paul B. Janeczko and lively artwork by Chris Raschka. Adults will enjoy this books as well as kids and teens. (Candlewick Press, 2005. ISBN: 9780763606626)
2. Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme
Alfred A. Knopf
Read A Rhyme, Write A Rhyme not only includes poems that will appeal to 8-12 year olds, it also includes “poemstarts” to inspire young readers to write their own poetry. The oversize illustrations by Meilo So provide vibrant and exuberant splashes of color in the illustrations that accompanies the poems selected by poet and educator Jack Prelutsky. (Alfred A. Knopf, an Imprint of Random House Children’s Books, 2005. ISBN: 9780385737272)
3. A Writing Kind Of Day: Poems for Young Poets
Boyds Mill Press
The poems in this book are all written by poet Ralph Fletcher in the voice of a boy who is a young poet and grappling with ways to create good poems. This is a good book for ages 8-12. (Boyds Mills Press, 2005. ISBN: 9781590783535)
4. Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out
HarperCollins
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out by Ralph Fletcher is an excellent resource for tweens and young teens. Fletcher has an engaging, informal writing style and includes some of his own poetry. (HarperCollins Children's Book Group, 2002. ISBN: 9780380797035)
5. Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets
Candlewick Press
Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets was compiled by poet and teacher Paul B. Janeczko. The book is a fascinating collection of poems and letters to young writers from 32 well known poets for children and young adults. I recommend it for children 9-12 and teens. (Candlewick Press, 2002. ISBN 9780763608811)
6. Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry by Jack Prelutsky
HarperCollins
Subtitled How to Write a Poem, Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry was written by poet Jack Prelutsky, the nation's first Children's Poet Laureate. Prelutsky is known for his humorous poetry, and he shares 34 examples in this book for tweens. The main thrust of the book is on where to find ideas for poems and how to develop them. (Greenwillow Books, An Imprint of HarperCollins, 2008. ISBN: 9780061434488)
