| | The Art of Teaching Writing
by Lucy McCormick Calkins
A favorite for her sensible approach and innovative ideas on guiding children through the writing process.
Awakening the Heart: Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School
by Georgia Heard
A marvelous companion to Heard's first book, For the Good Of the Earth and Sun. NOTE: Georgia Heard teaches an online course using this book - check out www.heinemannu.com for a current schedule.
Breathing In, Breathing Out: Keeping a Writer's Notebook
by Ralph Fletcher
Ralph takes you "inside" the writing process while keeping it light and interesting. Inspiring!
A Celebration of Bees:
Endless Opportunities for Helping Children Write Poetry
by Barbara Esbensen
Esbensen's book is one of those "gems" that is out of print. Now, for the good news: her husband designed a marvelous site to keep the memory and spirit of this talented poet alive. You can buy her book from his site and he sponsors an annual award (with a $1,000 prize!) for the most creative use of A Celebration of Bees: http://www.ttinet.com/bje/contest.html. You'll also want to visit the Barbara Juster Esbensen Memorial .
Children's Literature in the Elementary Classroom
by Charlotte Huck, Susan Hepler, and Janet Hickman
A fabulous resource for children's literature; their poetry section could easily stand alone. Includes a wealth of ideas with suggested poems, a thoughtful discussion of the differences between verse and poetry, and great ideas for integrating poetry across the curriculum.
Creating Classrooms for Authors and Inquirers
by Kathy G. Short and Jerome C. Harste with Carolyn Burke
An in-depth look at authoring cycles, literature circles, and an invaluable section on deriving meaning from poetry called "Poetry in Motion."
Dear Genius: The Letters of Ursula Nordstrom
by Leonard Marcus
This insightful collection of letters by famed editor, Ursula Nordstrom, is one I turn to again and again for an intimate peek at the creative process and a candid look at children's publishing. DEAR GENIUS works on many levels and I like to share passages with writing students that speak to the struggle for an original vision and the rigors of revision. (Margaret Wise Brown, Karla Kuskin, Maurice Sendak, Shel Silverstein and E. B. White are only a few of the authors who worked with Ursula Nordstrom.)
Easy Poetry Lessons that Dazzle and Delight
by Bernice Cullinan and David Harrison
Favorite Poetry Lessons
by Paul Janeczko
In addition to easy-to-master forms, Janeczko also suggests ways to integrate the lessons into the curriculum.
Fly with Poetry: An ABC of Poetry
by Avis Harley
Talented newcomer, Avis Harley, has written an amazing book that includes poems written in a variety of different forms - from A to Z!
For the Good of the Earth and Sun: Teaching Poetry
by Georgia Heard
My copy of Georgia Heard's book bristles with post-its™ — testimony to her terrific ideas. Heard tells it like it is - how children need help in "re-visioning" their work - avoiding rhyme - and time to develop their own voices. I love this book!
Getting the Knack: 20 Poetry Writing Exercises
by Stephen Dunning and William Stafford.
This classic is also available from NCTE.
Give Them Poetry!
A Guide for Sharing Poetry with Children K-8
by Glenna Sloan
A terrific introduction and overview of poetry with countless ideas for incorporating poetry into the curriculum. Marvelous!
Hi Ho Librario
by Judy Freeman
A sparkling collection of songs, chants, and stories that teach children to love books. There is also a 45-minute CD or tape on how to perform the selections yourself.
How to Write Poetry
by Paul Janeczko
Janeczko gives the young writer exactly what is needed: a straightforward and clearly written book about poetry. Even "older" writers will find much of value here.
I Am Writing a Poem About...A Game of Poetry
by Myra Cohn Livingston
This unusual anthology was a result of an assignment to our master class in children's poetry at UCLA. We wrote poems using specific pre-assigned words and the results were fascinating: No two poems were alike. I use this book in classrooms to show the diversity of different "voices" and how words and word associations can inspire poetry.
In the Middle: New Understandings about Writing, Reading, and Learning
by Nancie Atwell
This in-depth look at writing instruction in her classrooms is fascinating and inspiring. A must read!
A Jar of Tiny Stars: Poems by NCTE Award-Winning Poets
by Dr. Bernice E. Cullinan
A look at the poets who have won the prestigious NCTE award for their body of work. Introductions to poets everyone should know!
Just People & Paper/Pen/Poem : A Young Writer's Way to Begin
by Kathi Appelt and Kenneth Appelt (photographer)
Inspiration for adult and teen writers alike. Check out the "Poetry Starters" on Kathi's web site (www.kathiappelt.com).
Kids' Poems: Teaching Kindergartners to Love Writing Poetry
[Series includes titles for: First Graders, Second Graders, and Third & Fourth Graders
by Regie Routman
Confirms my own discoveries in poetry workshops: Students can write amazing poetry if they aren't "locked into" writing rhyming poems. Routman's techniques include free verse and sample poems written by children.
Lifetime Guarantees: Toward Ambitious Literacy Teaching
by Shelley Harwayne
A comprehensive book with a marvelous section on poetry.
Making Your Days: The Pleasure of Reading and Writing Poetry
by Kenneth Koch
Excellent ideas on using "classic poetry" as models for student writing.
Moon Journals : Writing, Art, and Inquiry Through Focused Nature Study
by Joni Chancer and Gina Rester-Zodrow
Students create "moon journals" integrating direct observation, art, and poetry in this guided program. I've seen students' work using their ideas and it is glorious!
Opening a Door: Reading Poetry in the Middle School Classroom
by Paul Janeczko
Don't miss this book.
Pass the Poetry, Please!
by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Updated version. Lee Bennett Hopkins includes a key poem by each poet and a brief biographical sketch followed by a list of references. Many wonderful classroom ideas for "motivating and appreciating poetry."
Place My Words Are Looking For: What Poets Say About and Through Their Work
by Paul Janeczko
A compilation of poems and essays by a variety of poets give a fascinating look into the lives of writers.
Poem Crazy: Freeing your Life with Words
by Susan Goldsmith Woolridge
A reminder of the power of language and the impact of individual words. Ideas that will intrigue and inspire you.
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem from the Inside Out
by Ralph Fletcher
Young writers are giving this book rave reviews!
A Poetry Handbook
by Mary Oliver
I'm constantly misplacing my copy of Mary Oliver's book because I'm always dipping into it and laying it down somewhere unexpected. An exquisite book and a must for anyone who is serious about poetry.
Poem-Making: Ways to Begin Writing Poetry
by Myra Cohn Livingston
This wonderful book is listed for "ages 9 and up." I hope "up" includes adults because I certainly use Myra's book for my own writing! Her sections on the "voices" of poetry as a fresh approach are particularly strong.
Poetry Across the Curriculum: A Whole Language Approach
by Barbara Chatton
Creative ways to integrate poetry into curriculum. Comprehensive lists of books and individual poems for use with a variety of themes, including science, math, and literature.
Poetry Writing from A to Z: A Guide for Young Writers
by Paul Janeczko
Witty and intriguing connections using the alphabet to introduce poems as well as topics. Such as: M for Memory Poems and poems on manners, meals and music. Or: H for How-To Poem or Haiku and poems on horses.
Poet's Pen: Writing Poetry with Middle and High School Students
by Betty Bonham Lies
Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspirations for Young Poets
by Paul Janeczko
Wonderful essays from many different poets.
Sunrises and Songs: Reading and Writing Poetry in an Elementary Classroom
by Amy A. McClure and Sheryl Reed
An intriguing look at a dynamic classroom bubbling with poetry. Fascinating and inspiring!
Take Joy: A Book for Writers
by Jane Yolen
Delicious! A must-read for all writers.
Teaching 10 Fabulous Forms of Poetry
by Paul Janeckzo
Terrific Connections with Authors, Illustrators, and Storytellers: Real Space and Virtual Links
by Jane Kurtz and Toni Buzzeo have compiled a wonderful guide to "real space and cyberspace" school visits. Excerpt. Where I'm From: Where Poems Come From
by George Ella Lyon
This combination of memoir and writing guide is inspiring and thought provoking. A delicious read!
With a Poet's Eye
by Jane McVeigh-Schultz and Mary Lynn Ellis
A wonderful look at children and poetry.
Writing Funny Bone Poems
by Paul Janeczko
Kids and teachers alike will have fun with Paul Janeczko's step-by-step guide to writing funny poems. Some of the forms he discusses: "brat poems," chants, limericks, parodies, riddles, senryu, and "I Spy" poems.
NCTE Poetry Titles
The National Council of Teachers of English publishes some terrific poetry titles: http://www.ncte.org/bookstore/ (Search under: poetry.)
About Ordering For your convenience, these titles are linked to www.amazon.com or Alibris so you can obtain complete information on price and read the reviews for individual titles. However, PLEASE consider using Indiebound should you decide to order a book. Our independent bookstores need our support! 
Sources for out-of-print books
Sadly, some of my favorite titles are out of print. However, I've had good luck finding several out-of-print books on my "wish list" at Alibris. I've found the booksellers (often small used bookstores across the country) to be helpful and responsive. 
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