Reading, writing or listening to poetry brings joy to many children and adults alike. Often deeply personal, knowing a little about a poet and their life allows us to appreciate a poem on a deeper level. This selection of books pairs a biography of a poet with some of their works intended for or accessible to children and teenagers. From Amanda Gorman to William Shakespeare these feature modern and classic poets.
Amanda Gorman
by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara (Author), Queenbe Monyei (Illustrator)
Review: This engaging Little People, BIG DREAMS edition is an inspiring book for young readers. At only 19 years old Amanda Gorman became America’s first National Youth Poet Laureate. She subsequently performed her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden in 2021. Maria Vegara highlights Gorman’s thirst for reading growing up and her positive mindset in dealing with and overcoming a speech impediment. An uplifting read, this is sure to inspire young readers and poets.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 7-year-olds.
Book Pairing Recommendation: Read this biography along with the vibrant and motivating Change Sings.
by Amanda Gorman (Author), Loren Long (Illustrator)
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8 years
Papa Is A Poet
by Natalie S. Bober (Author), Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator)
Review: Written from the perspective of his young daughter Lesley, Papa Is A Poet makes for a delightful read. Having just returned to America, after spending two years living in England, Lesley remembers her childhood on Derry Farm whilst sitting in Grand Central Station waiting for a train. Through her memories, readers learn of the life and difficult choices that Frost made which ultimately resulted in the publication of his poetry. Charming illustrations, coupled with quotes from Frost’s poems and additional details in the back, make this a super introduction to Frost and his works.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8-year-olds. In my opinion, this would appeal more to the older end of this age bracket.
Book Pairing Recommendation: Poetry for Young People Henri Sorensen’s paintings are a perfect accompaniment to Robert Frost’s poems in this gorgeously illustrated book of poems for young readers. A visual and linguistic treat.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 years and up.
On Wings of Words: The Extraordinary Life of Emily Dickinson
by Jennifer Berne (Author), Becca Stadtlander (Illustrator)
Review: On Wings of Words is an enchanting biography of Emily Dickinson. Beautiful illustrations coupled with rich use of language paint a vivid picture of Emily and her influences. Lines and stanzas from her poems feature throughout, seamlessly introducing readers to Dickinson’s writing. This book would make a perfect present and addition to any poetry collection.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 8-year-olds. In my opinion, this is more suited to the upper end of this age bracket. I also believe that older students would enjoy this introduction.
Book Pairing Recommendation: This Poetry for Kids Emily Dickinson edition is an absolute treat and perfectly compliments On Wings of Words.
Suggested Reading Age: 9 – 12 years old.
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams
by Jen Bryant (Author), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)
Review: Engagingly presented in the style of a scrapbook, A River of Words gives an appealing overview of the life of poet William Carlos Williams. A Caldecott Honor Book, this is a visual delight. Jen Bryant tells how Williams trained to be a doctor to earn a living, whilst writing to bring peace to his soul. Excerpts from his poems, a timeline putting the events of William’s life into historical context, further reading and author and illustrator notes make this a well-rounded reading experience. This is an inviting introduction.
Suggested Reading Age: 7 – 18 years old. In my opinion, secondary aged students will find this more accessible.
Book Pairing Recommendation: Poetry for Young People: William Carlos Williams provides an accessible and visually pleasing introduction to Williams’s poetry.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 12 year olds.
What’s So Special About Shakespeare?
by Michael Rosen (Author), Sarah Nayler (Illustrator)
Review: Young readers will enjoy learning about Shakespeare’s life with this fun volume by Michael Rosen. Highly accessible, Rosen strives to explain just what makes Shakespeare so special by exploring his life and some of his most famous works. Quirky illustrations by Sarah Nyler enhance the reading experience bringing this most famous of historical figures to life. A perfect introduction to the man himself.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 12 years old. I am sure that many older readers would enjoy the book too.
Book Pairing Recommendation: Poetry for Kids: Shakespeare This beautifully illustrated edition of Poetry for Kids provides readers with a wide array of Shakespeare poems. A helpful glossary of terms accompanies each poem enabling readers to more fully understand each extract. A great book to start reading Shakespeare.
Suggested Reading Age: 8 – 12 years. In my opinion, this would be most suitable for the upper end of this age bracket and beyond.
Happy Reading!
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Do YOU know of any great books about famous poets to add to this list? If so, please write the title below .