I have always loved poetry, and I am excited to see a resurgence of titles for all ages. In case you missed my roundup of Poetry Recommendations for National Poetey Month 2020, see a sampling here, compiled with help from Laura Standel, blogger and blogger @AReadingWarrior.
Find these books and more at ChildressInk.com, and ChildressInk, Book Reviews on Facebook, not to mention the Girls’ Life Magazine “Must-Reads”, always looking to share children’s books of excellence, infant to YA to Adult Interest.
POETRY LOVE
Simon B. Rhymin’, by Dwayne Reed, March 2021, Little, Brown & Co. Books For Young Readers, Ages: 8-12, 9780316538978
Genre: Middle grade, contemporary realistic, rap and poetry, humor, community, friendship, diversity
April is National Poetry month, and in case you missed this roundup in ChildtessInk.com, here are a few highlights below. I have always loved poetry all the time, and I am excited to see more coming from publishers for all ages!
“America’s Favorite Rapping Teacher” brings his passion for rapping and teaching together is this utterly heartwarming and much-needed tale that reminds young readers to follow their dreams, all while finding and keeping the beat of their own path.
Publisher Description:
A humorous and heartwarming bounce-to-the-beat underdog story about a young rapper whose rhymes help bring his community together.
Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes dreams of becoming a world-famous rapper that everyone calls Notorious D.O.G. But for now, he’s just a Chicago fifth grader who’s small for his age and afraid to use his voice.
Simon prefers to lay low at school and at home, even though he’s constantly spitting rhymes in his head. But when his new teacher assigns the class an oral presentation on something that affects their community, Simon must face his fears.
With some help from an unexpected ally and his neighborhood crew, will Simon gain the confidence to rap his way to an A and prove that one kid can make a difference in his ‘hood?
PRAISE
- Upbeat and heartfelt, Simon B. Rhymin’ is a sure-fire hit!
—Lincoln Peirce, New York Times bestselling creator,
Big Nate and Max & the Midknights
- I love Simon. I love his heart, his rhythm and rhyme. We’ve been needing his voice for a long, long time.
—Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump
- An authentic voice, strong friendships and loads of laughs make rhymin’ Simon a winner. —Tom Watson, author of Stick Dog
- A heartwarming tale that combines Black boy joy with community connection.
—Kirkus Reviews
- Dwayne Reed has succeeded in writing a story about a boy who is enjoying his life, exploring this theme without overtly coming across as teaching a lesson to readers.
—School Library Connection
A Fire Like You by Upile Chisala
Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing
March 10, 2020
ISBN13 9781449499587
Age: 14+
Genre: Poetry, Adult,
Description: This is the third book of a collection of poetry that deals with themes of love, loss, and desire. Upile Chisala explores identity and what it means to be a black Malawian woman while reflecting on her life and promoting empowerment and self-love.