April is National Poetry Month, and as we’re approaching the end of the month, I thought it would be fun to suggest a few poetry collections that you can check out to get into the spirit of things for the last few weeks. Starting in 1996, the Academy of American Poets decided to celebrate this wonderful form of writing each year by highlighting it for an entire month. I hope you enjoy the titles I’ve selected! Happy National Poetry Month!
A Light in the Attic (Shel Silverstein)
I adore just about everything Shel Silverstein has written, and choosing a book to highlight here was both incredibly easy and incredibly difficult, as all of his books are great. But, since Where the Sidewalk Ends tends to get all the love, I thought we would focus on this one instead. This collection of poems is written specifically for children, but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Silvertstein’s poetry is very funny and is accompanied by his distinctive illustrations. If you enjoyed this collection, consider checking out Where the Sidewalk Ends and Falling Up, as well.
Central Air (George Bilgere)
I will never be able to complete a list of poetry collections without including at least one by George Bilgere. Bilgere is a poet/professor who teaches English at John Carroll University, and writes about many things, including life in the Midwest, his father’s struggles with alcoholism, and what its like to be a father of two young boys late in life. Combining his sharp sense of humor with a touching vulnerability, there is a reason why I always tell people this is my favorite poet. I prefer Bilgere’s more recent works to his earlier ones (although he’s always excellent) so if you would like more, consider checking out Blood Pages next.
The New Kid on the Block (Jack Prelutsky)
When I was young, the two poets I always reached for were Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky. This collection was one of my most-read. Full of silly situations, surprising twists, and relatable rhymes, Prelutsky is just a joy to read (as well as to read aloud). Plus, like Silverstein, he does all his own illustrations. If you enjoyed this book, I also suggest Something Big Has Been Here and A Pizza the Size of the Sun. Or, if you would like something a bit spookier, try The Headless Horseman Rides Tonight, which features poetry about monsters.
Aug-9 Fog (Kathryn Scanlan)
And now for something completely different. Fifteen years ago, Kathryn Scanlan found a stranger’s five-year diary at an estate auction. It’s writer was eighty-six when she started keeping the journal, which was by this time water-stained, falling apart, and at times completely illegible. Nevertheless, something drew Scanlan to this little book and she spent fifteen years reading and rereading, taking lines, dissecting them, stitching them together, and creating her own poetry from the hypnotic work in front of her. I’ve never read anything quite like this book, and I absolutely loved it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I got myself a 5-year journal, too.
