Please indulge a bit of self-promotion-- I'm so happy to "toot the horn" for a new poetry anthology for middle grades that features new and established poets writing about the theme of HOPE. Janet (Wong) and I created a summer workshop called "Think Poetry" especially for educators who wanted to learn more about writing and teaching poetry. We created 10 instructional videos, provided individualized feedback on poem drafts, and collaborated with 40 poets on creating this new book, What Is Hope? You can learn a bit more about "Think Poetry" here. Our 10 instructional videos focused on:
Rhyme
Repetition
Rhythm
Stanzas & structure
Similes & metaphors
Alliteration
List poems
Mask poems
Syllabic poetry
Free verse
In each video, Janet modeled poem writing and shared strategies she uses to compose and revise poems and we both suggested a variety of tips for teaching each poetry element. Plus, we had a lot of fun and laughter!
Our 40 poets featured in What Is Hope? include:
We are also so thrilled that What Is Hope? was selected as a Children's Book Council "Hot Off the Press" selection! We hope you'll check it out. As with other books in the "WHAT IS" series (What Is a Friend?, What Is a Family?, as well as our books in the "THINGS WE" series (Things We Do, Things We Eat, Things We Feel, Things We Wear) for young readers, 100% of the profits are donated to the IBBY Children in Crisis Fund that helps get books to children around the world in the most difficult circumstances (like the war in Ukraine, after the earthquake in Turkey).
We hope to offer our "Think Poetry" online workshop (with mentoring and feedback) again in January, 2024, with a new theme, new photo prompts, and new poets. Make a resolution now to grow your own poetry writing next year and reach out to us when you're ready!
Next up: Go check out Amy Ludwig VanDerwater's blog, The Poem Farm, where she is hosting our Poetry Friday gathering this week. See you there!
15 comments:
Thanks so much for letting me be a part of another great anthology - the photo prompts always bring something unexpected!
Such a worthy cause! I love the idea of letting the photograph inspire the poem - it could be such a fun classroom activity to encourage kids to write their own poems inspired by one of the photos in the anthology, then read the poem included in the book - it can be so eye-opening to discover how we all see the world in different, yet still beautiful, ways. :)
Every time I read of your anthologies, I wish I was still teaching. They, like this new one, are beautiful gifts for kids and teachers, too. I love the ones you shared, and from others who've shared today, too.
Another fantastic volume! I've enjoyed seeing all the poems shared this week and last!!
Sylvia, what a gorgeous collection of beautiful poems from talented poets! Each one that I have read offers a ray of sunshine. Congratulations on your beautiful anthology!
Sylvia, I have enjoyed watching these anthologies come to life over the past couple of years. Now, What is Hope? is my new favorite. Congratulations on the publication, and for having it chosen as a "Hot Off the Press" book! I feel like I'm ready to join in for your next course in January.
Hooray! So happy to be a part of this anthology! Thanks, Sylvia and Janet.
This is one of my Pomelo Books FAVORITES - thrilled to be a part of it! Thanks for all you do, Sylvia and Janet, to share poetry and HOPE in the world!
Such a rich collection of poems and images I'm really enjoying the poems you shared and more of them that other poets are sharing too–we sure can use more Hope, thanks Sylvia and Janet!
I agree with Robyn. This is one of my favorite poetry books. The poems are so positive and thoughtful. I'm sure they will inspire readers to feel hopeful and try something new. Thank you for including my poem and for all the ways you make a difference in lives of others!
So excited to be in this anthology and I can't wait to share it with students.
Sylvia, my congratulations and best wishes for future endeavors are extended to you and Janet. I have read not only your wonderful blog (sorry for this comment coming late) but each PF poet's poem blogs included in What is Hope? Not only is the title of the book a much-needed one during troubling times but the variety of poems on the topic are exciting topics and poetic formats. I have been interested in participating in the dynamic duo's program all along but so many different issues have prevented me. I would like to start but I need guidance on a pathway. I am very interested in your new course so let me know more, please. If you would like me to write a blog post about your newest book, I would love to do so. Thanks for sending fabulous poem anthologies out into the world of education. Teachers need a bevy of poems to use as mentor texts for poetry lessons. Last year, I keynoted one of the local reading council's \year-long professional development program that concentrated on bringing poetry into the classroom. The teachers appreciated the information and I truly hope that this year they continue to bring the love of poetry into their classrooms.
It is fabulous to read so many angles and approaches to HOPE. Congratulations on another anthology, and thank you for your generosity with all you do. I have so enjoyed reading the many selections shared around the Kidlitosphere! xo, a.
Jane: YES! I would love for teachers + librarians to share a photo from this book -- or another of our ekphrastic titles (in the THINGS WE series for younger kids or WHAT IS A FAMILY? and WHAT IS A FRIEND?) -- and have kids write their own poems BEFORE seeing what the poet did. Please spread the word about this method of sharing photos + poems from this book!!
Thank you ALL for your kind comments and compliments! We love hearing your responses and are so happy to collaborate with so many wonderful poets and hear from so many poetry fans! It's definitely a mutual admiration society!
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