I also found my copy of Dear One, a book project that Janet (Wong) and I put together 10 years ago when Lee won the National Council of Teachers of English Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Over 50 different poets contributed to that little book as a tribute to Lee and it's been lovely to revisit those tributes-- as relevant now as they were then. I know Lee was thrilled to receive this little surprise. There are so many things to remember and celebrate about Lee-- his lively personality, his critical eye, his big heart, his skilled mentorship, his treasure trove of gossip, his long and loving relationship with Charles, his creativity and productivity, his advocacy of poetry, and so much more. Visit Lee's website to read a bio and check out the video interviews he did with poet and teacher Renee LaTulippe over at NoWaterRiver. They're about the history of poetry for young people and the recipients of the NCTE Poetry Award, but they're also about him, his humor, and his deep knowledge of children's literature.
And let's not forget the awards he established to promote poetry, poets, and outstanding books of poems for young people:
The Lee Bennett Hopkins Award (I created a "toolbox" for promoting those books here.)
& The Promising Poet Award
& the SCBWI Lee Bennett Hopkins Award
These awards will help ensure that Lee's poetry legacy continues.
And of course his massive body of work is still with us! With more than 100 anthologies of poetry for young people, there's something for everyone. Go get one of Lee's books this week and read the poems aloud to young people you care about. If there's one thing that Lee would ask of us, it would be to share more poetry with more kids more often. Let's go for it!
Finally, here are Lee's words from his autobiographical book, Been to Yesterdays-- a kind of "verse novel" full of emotion and personal experience. As we mourn the passing of this brilliant man and poetry giant, I hope his prayer can "give us strength" to "say good-bye."
Now head on over to the Poem Farm where poet and teacher Amy Ludwig VanDerwater is hosting ALL our Poetry Friday poems and tributes to Lee Bennett Hopkins today.
Sylvia, thank you for being a curator with a heart for Lee Bennett Hopkins work. This post is a delight as is the toolbox. You are such an incredible resource. I just can't thank you enough. Sending you a virtual hug in our day of remembrance.
ReplyDeleteHugs and gratitude from here, Sylvia - a post celebrating all things Lee, from the creative to the cantankerous. His loss will be felt for quite some time, and yet he has left us so many 'wonderful words'.... You're right; he'd want us to share it with young readers!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a SHELF! And I remember how he loved that party and book... I'm with you, Sylvia. "Let's go for it!" Much love... xx
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a collection, Sylvia! Thanks for sharing your poetry and Lee love.
ReplyDeleteSylvia, this is quite an amazing tribute post on Lee's accomplishments. Thanks for the links to other sites as well.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate it every time you share more poetry, Sylvia & today this is a lovely tribute to Lee's gifts to everyone, the poetry. Thanks for sharing so much today.
ReplyDeleteHello DearOne Sylvia,
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine what the party was like for you & Janet Wong & LBH a decade ago, when you created that book tribute. Poetry Friday today follows your lead in digital/pixel fashion, but it's hoped the scattered celebrators feel collected in a purple haze of joy, through knowing #DearOneLBH, reading him, learning from him & sharing him with children & at home, at the public library, in bookstores & in school. I think he is feeling The Love. I know I am.
Appreciations for giving us a look at your expansive LBH bookshelf & for sharing from the heart of his autobiography.
Jan/ Bookseedstudio
Lovely post. Thanks for putting it together, and for the Dear One book ten years ago.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post. Lee was one of a kind and will be forever missed. The poem you shared from BEEN TO YESTERDAYS is one of my favorites and really shows Lee's heart.
ReplyDeleteHis legacy will continue for many generations.
Although I wasn't around 10 years ago, I know that Lee continued to be thrilled with that book and would send a copy of it to those of us he wanted to thank or encourage or support in some way. I'm lucky to have ended up with two. :)
ReplyDeletePerfect poem for this tribute week of PF. He lives on...in his words and in all the lives he touched.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a lovely post and tribute. That is quite a shelf, too! I agree, let's go for it--sharing poetry far and wide.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this collection of links. I wish I could find a copy of Been to Yesterdays in a library near me!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind comments. We all share in this loss AND in our tributes. Where would be if Lee had not paved the way for all of us? Hugs to you all!
ReplyDeleteIt's still hard to believe he's no longer with us, but what a beautiful tribute here! And thank you (and Janet) so much for your help in getting him inducted into the FL Artists Hall of Fame!
ReplyDeleteWhat's jumping out at me from this poem is "hope" and "cope" -- they are partners. Lee had such a way with words, simple and profound.
ReplyDelete