This National Poetry Month, we invite you to a group Poetry Dare, reading a single poet all month long and writing poems longhand or creating a collage inspired by the poems. LW Willingham leads the way, with Tony Hoagland.
“The Banished Immortal: A Life of Li Bai” by Ha Jin
“The Banished Immortal” by Ha Jin tells the story of Li Bai, considered China’s greatest poet, in an account drawn largely from his poetry.
Sun and Moon Poems: Night Poetry Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen as she confesses her fear of teaching Romeo and Juliet, and realizes there is much more to see than what she’s afraid of.
It’s Take Your Poet to School Week!
Join teachers, students and librarians around the globe to kick off National Poetry Month with the fun and delight of Take Your Poet to School Week, including our favorites, Talk Like a Poet Day and Poet in a Cupcake Day!
By Heart: Emily Dickinson + New “Lake Isle of Innisfree” Challenge
Even after spending a month with Dickinson and her unnamed dog (there is an unnamed dog in Sendak’s story too), I still don’t know what the poem means. And I did not go looking for an interpretation of it. I simply enjoyed the poem, dashes and all, says Megan Willome.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Writing—Dear Mr. Henshaw
In the final meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we remember that writers are made, not born. Mostly.
Ocean as Metaphor: “The Crossing Over” by Jen Karetnick
“The Crossing Over,” the new poetry collection by Jen Karetnick, uses the ocean as metaphor, offering its bounty but demanding its sacrifices.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: Humor Me Poetry Prompt
What happens when two authors who publish within days of each other find themselves celebrating at the same local hangout? Lots of laughter, thanks to great friends.
Libraries, Literacy and Love: Passing Books Across Generations
From teaching to sharing treasured books with her grandchildren, Mary Van Denend finds libraries — and love — at the heart of literacy.
“Twirl” Book Club: On Stories—Where the Wild Things Are
In the second meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we consider how costumes give us the freedom to be wild, bold, free—and even how they can help us come back from a possible undoing.
Poets and Poems: Phoebe Power and “Shrines of Upper Austria”
In “Shrines of Upper Austria,” British poet Phoebe Power explores a common theme in contemporary power — identity, her own and that of her grandmother.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: What Joy Feels Like Poetry Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen as she talks with kindergarteners about being frustrated and watches as they head toward joy, balloons in hand.
Friendship Project: On Writing Well — Just Say It
Callie Feyen finds the page more forgiving than the podium, and friendship more forgiving yet.
Twirl Book Club: On Clothes—The Lightning Thief
In the first meeting of the ‘Twirl’ Book Club, we consider how Callie Feyen got her lightning back (and found a way to wear heels again).
“Robert Graves” – A Biography of a War Poet by Jean Moorcroft Wilson
Jean Moorcroft Wilson’s new biography of war poet Robert Graves allows the reader to walk in his shoes and understand his poetry and his odd personal life.
Children’s Book Club: “Mr. Bliss”
What happened when J.R.R. Tolkien got a motorcar? He ran into the three bears—Archie, Teddy, and Bruno. Join author Megan Willome for a Children’s Book Club discussion of ‘Mr. Bliss.’
Friendship Onstage and Off: Walking with the Wind
A sudden interruption and the whole play’s at risk—at least for actress Laurie Klein. The director remains a friend, wise and warm, as the drama unfolds.
Poets and Poems: James Matthew Wilson and “Some Permanent Things”
The poems of “Some Permanent Things” by James Matthew Wilson speak to the transient and the permanent in our history, our lives, and our future.
Smiles, Laughter & Joys: Reading Treasure Prompt
Join author Callie Feyen, a bunch of pirates, and a great group of kindergarteners and first graders as they hunt for treasure found in stories. Then write your own treasure poem!
Reader, Come Home: Why ‘Jane Eyre’ is a YA Novel
Learn the secrets of being a deep reader with author Megan Willome as we discuss why ‘Jane Eyre’ is a YA novel. And share your February pages for our monthly Reader, Come Home column.