Filling Winter With Poetic Warmth
For many reasons this year wasn’t one in which I read as widely as I usually do. The eclectic list below includes recent novels-in-verse or books of poetry suitable for young people and written by authors (listed alphabetically) who self-identify as belonging to communities that have been historically underrepresented or marginalized. To minimize redundancy, I ensured that I excluded titles that were previously highlighted on this blog.
Glory in the Margins: Sunday Poems by Nikki Grimes is, in the words of Young People’s Poet Laureate Naomi Shihab Nye, “Glorious.” Summarized as “A thirteen month cycle of poems distilled from chosen scriptures, viewed from her perspective as Black, as woman, as poet, and looking for the glory found in the margins of life,” I can never again hear Gloria in excelsis Deo without it bringing into my mind Grimes’s hopeful, uplifting and comforting collection of spiritual poems that stem from her deep roots in her Christian faith. This collection is accessible to young people, although it may not be classified as such.
Legacy by Nikki Grimes is a breathtakingly beautiful collection of poems that pay tribute to female poets of the Harlem Renaissance. A work of genius that shines with originality while at the same time honoring and giving homage to poets who have been, hitherto, mostly neglected or ignored by the literary canon.
Good Luck Gold and More by Janet Wong delves unflinchingly into racism, while also celebrating the joys of growing up Asian American. In addition, this new edition is a treasure that contains questions that shine like gems, and will ignite readers’ own creativity.
Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson is a stunning and stirring novel in verse that centers a child who must cope with his famous ex-football star father’s CTE. It is also an ode to the strength of family and friendship and the bonds between fathers and sons. This novel was released in fall 2020, but I’m including it as our blog only began this spring, and it is Woodson’s most recent novel-in-verse (to the best of my knowledge)
Punching The Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (a member of the Exonerated) is a lyrical and powerful story about a teenage boy who has been wrongfully convicted of a crime. An important book that speaks honestly and movingly about racism and the wrongful incarceration of innocent black youth. This was also released in fall 2020, and I’m including it on this list because - well, it’s an eclectic list and I only read it this year!
In addition, here are a few poetry anthologies that celebrate diverse voices. I was honored that my work was included in all three.
I Sing: The Body edited by René Saldaña, Jr. is a collection of poems about body image published by Juventud Press, an imprint of FlowerSong press, that includes pieces by such well-known names as Margarita Engle, Linda Sue Park and Joseph Bruchac, as well as new and emerging voices. This rich collection addresses the significance of self-acceptance, of celebrating who one is and finding joy in every body. An exquisite anthology that fills a vital need, I hope this will find a place, face out, on every library shelf (in addition to being added to personal collections, and finding a forever spot in every heart).
Things We Do edited by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong, is a perfect gift for early readers to enjoy on their own, as well as for any parent, teacher or care-giver to share with young children. The target age group for these playful and joyful poems might be babies to elementary aged children, but - while admittedly biased - I’d argue that anyone, any age, could enjoy reading these poems aloud. This delightful collection includes work by award-winning writers such as Carole Boston Weatherford and Grace Lin, and it warms my heart to add that Pomelo Books is donating 100% of the to the IBBY Children in Crisis fund.
Rhyme and Rhythm: Poems for Student Athletes edited by Sarah J Donovan and published by Archer is, for sure, “more than just a book of sports poems, it is an inspirational book of life.” Whether or not you are/were a student athlete, whether or not you enjoy watching sports, the poems in this collection will surely touch your heart. Notable authors such as Zetta Elliott and Lisa Moore Ramée explore a variety of forms and themes, starting with sports but moving deeper into teen life-experiences that invite in any and all readers (and listeners). In these pages, you will discover remarkable stories, words that sing, and experience sentiments that resonate long after you set the book down. So, I hope you’ll pick it up!
