Dr. Sylvia Vardell's new children's poetry reference book provides a comprehensive introduction to more than 60 contemporary young people's poets. Focusing primarily on those who are still actively writing today, the author includes poets appropriate for young children through young adults. Each entry features brief biographical information, highlights selected poetry books authored, showcases awards won, notes related Web sites, and provides suggestions for making connections (programming ideas, related books and activities). The book is ideal for librarians who serve children and young adults, as well as for teachers and others who work with children and young adults. Beginning with Arnold Adoff the list of poets is both impressive and informative. A sample: Francisco Alarcon, Aileen Fisher, Douglas Florian, Nikki Giovanni, Kristine O'Connell George, Jane Yolen, Eloise Greenfield, John Ciardi and many more!

Need help finding the perfect poem for a holiday celebration or a science unit? A funny riddle poem or a bilingual poetry book? Here is a comprehensive resource for teachers, librarians, and parents packed with poetry bibliographies and research-based strategies for selecting and sharing poetry with young people (ages 0-18). The Poetry Teacher's Book of Lists contains 155 different lists featuring 1500 poetry books for children and teens-in a variety of categories including poetry awards, seasonal poetry, poetry across the curriculum, multicultural poetry, the poetry-friendly environment, poetry performance, guiding discussion, and teaching poetry writing. You'll find recommended lists of poetry books tied to calendar events throughout the year, poetry that targets the needs of students acquiring English as a new language, poetry to help children through worries, adjustments or difficult times, 20 lists of poetry to support the study of science, social studies, and language arts, lists organized by different poetic forms, question prompts to guide meaningful discussions, preparation and presentation pointers, display ideas, poetry quotes, lesson plan tips, poet birthdays, and a poetry scavenger hunt and treasure hunt for kids-all tools to help jumpstart a poetry program and keep it energized and fresh all year long. Poet Helen Frost says, "The Poetry Teacher's Book of Lists offers a mountaintop view of poetry for children and teens. Sylvia Vardell has been paying close attention to poetry for a long time, and here she compiles her vast knowledge and offers it in such a way that we can see how much is out there without feeling overwhelmed. The classics are here, along with the contemporary; beautiful language, careful craft, poignant, humorous, informative--whatever you are looking for, in your teaching or other explorations, this book will help you find it." Master poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins says, "The Poetry Teacher's Book of Lists is an incredible journey through the past, present, and future of poetry... this book is a treasure... one to refer to over and over... for years to come." From Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis, "The Poetry Teacher's Book of Lists is sumptuous and exhaustive... a brilliant concept." Teacher Paul Hankins says, "The Poetry Teacher's Book of Lists is so comprehensive in its offerings that it includes a new book I just finished last week within its listings." Poet Pat Mora says, "Author, poetry lover, and list-maker, Dr. Sylvia Vardell has given us yet another fine resource for weaving poetry through the curriculum. Poetry needs champions, and Vardell is a steady and creative one."

"Since Poetry Aloud Here was published in 2006, poetry written for young people has gained interest as an educational tool. This revamped and expanded follow-up guides educators toward innovative ways to use poetry and establish an atmosphere that encourages individual participation and creativity. Blending information and inspiration, Vardell Offers practical strategies for reading aloud and teaching poetry in both formal and informal situations Details best practices gleaned from years in the field, with numerous suggestions that cross the curriculum--from literature to science and math Includes expanded lists of poems, poet profiles, book/poetry pairings, and other tools useful for programming and collection development Updated with a new bibliography, this book is the perfect resource for helping librarians and educators use poetry to fire children's imaginations."