Poetry anthologies are a perfect way to introduce readers (young and old) to a wide range of poetry and poets. Perfect for dipping into and finding new poets to explore, the books below include classic poems and new voices. Whether you want to read a poem a day or explore different poets’ take on themes such as nature, space, growing up and immigration, there is something for everyone.
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The Big Amazing Poetry Book
Selected by Gary Morgan; Illustrated by Chris Riddell
Review: This lively collection features 52 weeks of poems from 52 poets. Each week showcases seven different poems from the poet in question giving readers a good impression of their styles and voices. A brief biography provides a nice introduction to the poet. A range of poetic styles is featured including haiku, sonnets and shape poems. Chris Riddell’s fun illustration style further enhances the reading.
Click here to look inside the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 years onwards.
The Puffin Book Of Utterly Brilliant Poetry
Edited by Brian Patten
Review: Visually bold and vibrant, this collection of poems edited by Brian Patten is a real treat. The book is divided into ten sections each of which focuses on a different poet. Each poet’s work is accompanied by a different illustrator. Poets include Spike Milligan, Jackie Kay and Allan Alhberg. Each section begins with an interview between Brian Patten and the poet in question. These are light, yet highly informative providing peaks into the poets’ thinking and inspiration.
Watch below for a flick-through of the book:
Suggested Reading Age: 5 years upwards. I have used selected poems from this book with students all through Primary and into Secondary.
A Poem For Every Night Of The Year
by Allie Esiri (Editor)
Review: Esiri Allie has compiled a wonderful mixture of poems in this volume. The stunning artwork on the front cover catches the eye and draws readers in. Each poem is preceded by a brief introduction providing readers with some background context, some information about the poet or how it links to the night in question. Bold, black-and-white illustrations can be found for each month of the year. This is perfect to dip into and provides a super introduction to a wide range of poets.
Suggested Reading Age:9 to 11 years old. In my opinion, this volume would appeal to teens and adults, too.
If this anthology appeals to you, it is well worth looking at the volumes below. Also edited by Allie Esiri, these stunning books provide readers with more poetic delights.
A Poem For Every Day Of The Year
A Poem For Every Winter Day
An Assortment of Animals: A Children’s Poetry Anthology
by Kristen Wixted (Author), Heather Kelly (Author), Doreen Buchinski (Author)
Review: This stunningly illustrated selection of animal poems is an absolute treat. Featuring a wide range of illustrative styles and different poetic genres this anthology by the Writers’ Loft invites readers in. In its pages, readers will discover a diverse range of animals ranging from the blue-crowned motmot to pangolins to dragonflies. A visual treat, this will appeal to children of all ages.
Watch below to hear some of the poems read aloud and see some of the stunning illustrations.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 to 12 years old. In my opinion, many older readers will also enjoy this beautifully presented anthology.
Watcher of the Skies: poems about space and aliens
by Rachel Piercey (Editor), Emma Wright (Illustrator), Rachel Cochrane (Contributor)
Review: This collection is a treat for space enthusiasts! Combining a mixture of fact, imagination and alien lore, these poems both entertain and inform. This selection of mostly contemporary poems also includes a nod to classic poets such as Emily Dickinson and Shakespeare. The back of the book has some super bonus features including facts about space, an interview with a space scientist and tips and inspiration for how to write your own poem.
Suggested Reading Age: 6 to 12 years old.
Everyone Sang: A Poem For Every Feeling
Selected by William Sieghart, Illustrated by Emily Sutton
Review: Featuring more than one hundred poems, Everyone Sang: A Poem For Every Feeling is a delight. The book is divided into four sections (Poems to Make You Smile, Poems to Move You, Poems to Give You Hope and Poems to Calm and Connect You) enabling readers to dip in and find a poem to suit their mood. Poets span the ages and include Maya Angelou, Joseph Coehlo, W.B. Yeats and Christina Rossetti. Emily Sutton’s bright illustrations make a perfect accompaniment.
Watch below to get a flavour of the book:
Suggested Reading Age: 8 years upwards.
Favourite Poems: 101 Classics
By Scholastic Children’s Books
Review: As its title indicates, this Scholastic book exposes readers to a wide selection of classic poems. The book’s introduction explains what makes a poem classic in an easy-to-understand way. Well and lesser-known poets feature, together with a range of poetic forms; some traditional songs and rhymes are also included. The poems are grouped by themes. These span the range from animal poems to what it is to be human. A snippet of information is helpfully provided to introduce readers to the different poets. This provides a perfect introduction to classic poetry.
Suggested Reading Age: 12 to 17 years old. Many of these poems would also be enjoyed by adult readers.
Poetry Speaks Who I Am
by Elise Paschen (Author), Dominique Raccah (Editor)
Review: This anthology of poems, aimed at teens, touches upon the highs, lows and issues close to the teenage heart and mind. Featuring a mix of carefully selected classics and modern poetry, these poems are sure to resonate with their audience. An audio CD featuring 44 of the poems is a nice addition which gives further life to the poetry. Well worth a look.
Suggested Reading Age: Teenagers.
Ink Knows No Borders
by Patrice Vecchione (Editor), Alyssa Raymond (Editor)
Review: Ink Knows No Borders explores immigration and the experience of refugees through the medium of poetry. The volume contains sixty-four poems by contemporary poets, some familiar (such as Elizabeth Acevedo and Samira Ahmed) and others less familiar. Personal and intimate, this powerful anthology provides readers with raw, first-hand stories highlighting the reality of the migrant experience. Highly recommended.
Click here to look inside the book.
Suggested Reading Age: 12 to 17 years. These would also be insightful for older readers, too.
Happy Reading!
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Do YOU know of any great poetry anthologies to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .