National Poetry Month

National Poetry Month is the largest literary celebration in the world! Founded in 1996, National Poetry Month is celebrated all over by schools, publishers, poets (of course), and libraries. As lovers of reading and all things literary, GMPL joins in the festivities. Here are some great books to introduce and foster the love of poetry in your kids:

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Silverstein is classic poetry for children. The poems are silly, sometimes weird, and heartfelt. Paired with fun illustrations, even adults can get behind the youthfulness of Silverstein.

i carry your heart with me by e.e. cummings. Illustrated by Mati McDonough

This picture book takes the work of a poet, e.e. cummings, someone not necessarily recognized as writer of children's poetry, and makes it accessible to readers of all ages. McDonough's illustrations compliment the words of cummings, and creates a beautiful, heartwarming poetic experience. 

Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys by Bob Raczka. Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

While some boys might take to poetry like it's second nature, other might not express interest. Raczka and Reynolds paired up to bring a book of haiku poems specifically with boys in mind. The book moves through the four seasons with poems involving all sorts of activities,  including splashing sisters with muddy puddles. A great book for boys who don't think they like poetry. 

Poems in Black & White by Kate Miller

Miller's illustrations are as beautiful as her poems in this book. Her poems vary in style, and explore different subjects, from a comet to bowling! This book is great for children and grown-ups alike.

For kids interested in exploring poetry online, check out Jack Prelutsky's website for all kinds of fun: http://jackprelutsky.com/ For the whole month of April, we'll have our poetry display up in the children's department. Come in to check out these, and many more!

Remembering Maya Angelou

Yesterday the world lost an amazing American author, poet and activist, Maya Angelou. She was a woman who was an inspiration to many in this country and will continue to be for years to come. As a source of courage and insight into the oppression countless African Americans faced during the Jim Crow era, she became a much-loved and important face in the Civil Rights Movement. 

Maya Angelou was born April 4, 1928. Throughout her lifetime she accomplished an incredible amount of work. She published extensively, including seven autobiographies, three books of essays, and several books of poetry, in addition to penning various plays, movies and television shows. She received various awards and over 30 honorary doctoral degrees. Angelou is best known for her series of autobiographies, the most famous of which is her 1969 book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. You can read more about her life on Wikipedia or on her website.

Image from http://www.n8w.com/image/art/maya_angelou.

Angelou even published a book of contemporary poetry for children, titled Life Doesn't Frighten Me (1993). Read more about this great book in this article from brainpickings.org. You can even listen to Angelou read the poem herself, which she says she wrote “for all children who whistle in the dark and who refuse to admit that they’re frightened out of their wits”.

Image from http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/03/life-doesnt-frighten-me-maya-angelou-basquiat/.

Read her beautiful poem Caged Bird and other works, as well as articles about her writing at poetryfoundation.org. You can also read many of her most famous poems at poetrysoup.com.  The website hellogiggles.com compiled 10 inspiring Maya Angelou quotes that you can read here.Her beautiful words are filled with wisdom and I urge you to take a moment to read her words today and reflect upon the great work she accomplished.

Image from http://hellogiggles.com/10-inspiring-maya-angelou-quotes.

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.” Maya Angelou