Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets

This marvelous little tome introduces the reader to some very unique poets. Their advice is diverse and helpful, appealing to a wide range of poets and writers. Easy to use with students at many levels. A real find!

Seeing The Blue Between: Advice And Inspiration For Young Poets compiled and edited by Paul B. Janeczko is an intriguing collection of letters of advice and support, poetry, and other writings from thirty-two renowned poets and authors. Captivating and consoling readers with an expansive plethora of content, Seeing The Blue Between is a unique compendium offering a diversity of perspectives on life, wisdom, experiences, beauty, philosophy, and so much more. Seeing The Blue Between is very highly recommended for all young readers and aspiring poets seeking inspiration for their own appreciation of what life has to offer -- and setting down their own thoughts, feelings, discoveries, observations, and insights in rhythmic poetry and lyrical prose.

With the words of 32 children's poets between the covers, this books serves as a great introduction between children and the world of poetry. Poets such as Jane Yolen, Jack Prelutsky, Lee Bennett Hopkins and others have written a personal letter to children regarding what poetry means to them, as well as how it is incorporated into their personal lives. Followed by this letter is one of their poems. It's like having a real discussion with the poet and then watching him/her perform through their work. My favorite was Anthony Hudgins because his letter mentioned that he's always got a book of poems by his bedside to help him unwind from the day, one in his car in case he gets stuck anywhere, and always one in the bathroom. Hudgins points out that this is better than a novel because with poetry "you can finish your body business and your poetry business" at about the same time...not so with a novel, especially if your memory is not so keen. He follows his letter with the poem "Grandmother's Spit." This poem reminded me of countless older ladies who would spit on their fingers and then swab away some food or dirt from my cheek, for the sake of sanitation. The book closes with a Notes section on the contributors, allowing another glimpse into a poets' life, one that says, "Yes, we are real people with real families and we like real things...and we show it through our poetry."

What a fantastic idea for a poetry book--letters written to kids by poets. It is full of inspiring advice along with from-the-heart poems. The letters and poems can be instant minilessons.I can't wait to share this book with teachers and students.