April is National Poetry Month, and we’re here to help you fill it with beautiful books! These books are great to read aloud, and will inspire readers to put pen to paper. Most importantly, they will help readers experience the beauty and power of words. Check out these poetry titles, and be sure to visit our website to find so many more!
Thirty Talks Weird Love by Alessandra Narváez Varela
⭐ “Anamaria experiments with poetry structures and formats as she explores young womanhood and self-love . . . Fans of The House on Mango Street or The House of the Spirits will be riveted.” — Booklist, starred review
And, big news: Thirty Talks Weird Love has been selected as the 2023 Global Read Aloud Young Adult choice! Readers from around the world will discover Anamaria’s story as they read the book over the course of six weeks. Join us on October 2 for #GRA23!
Black All Around by Patricia Hubbell and Illustrated by Don Tate
A young girl discovers all the wonderful and beautiful things around her that are black.
Look high,
look low,
look everywhere …
The wonderful color black is there!
Copycat: Nature-Inspired Design Around the World by Christy Hale
⭐ “Whether this is a science book written as poetry, or a poetry book written about science, the text could easily be adapted to lessons from the primary grades all the way though middle school . . . A fascinating and creative look at a little-known STEM topic.” — School Library Journal, starred review
I Can Be . . . Me! by Lesléa Newman and Illustrated by Maya Gonzalez
I can be everything I want to be,
I can be all of magnificent me!
Join six fabulous children who, through creative play, explore all kinds of ways to be their authentic selves in this fun rhyming book!
Download the teacher’s guide and watch a conversation with Lesléa and Maya.
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week/Poemas familiares para cada día de la semana by Francisco Alarcón and Illustrated by Maya Gonzalez
⭐ “Reflects on traditions, special gatherings, and time spent with family . . . Gonzalez’s radiant illustrations (inspired by Mexican indigenous crafts, she notes) bring a sense of cosmic oneness to the pages, connecting the boy to his family, community, and the ever-spinning planet.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
My Magic Wand : Growing with the Seasons by Pat Mora and Illustrated by Amber Alvarez
“Children love poetry–especially when it’s read to them by an enthusiastic family member. What about encouraging every reading member of the family to share at least one poem before dinner during April?” —Pat Mora
Download the teacher’s guide, watch The Power of Poetry with Poet and Storyteller Pat Mora webinar, and check out our Instagram live drawing session with Amber Alvarez.
Under My Hijab By Hena Khan and Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
⭐ “Cheerful, rhyming verses complement a parade of confident women athletes, doctors, artists, and students, each donning a hijab as colorful and unique as the women themselves.” — Foreword Reviews, starred review
Read More
Poetry Collection
Tips for Reading Poetry Aloud to Children
Read Poetry with Students: Poetry Resource Guide for Teachers
Writing Poetry in the Classroom: A Lesson with Author Mark Karlins
4 Mentor Texts and Activities for National Poetry Month
Book List: Five Favorite Bilingual Poetry Books