CLEARY, Brian P. Eating My Words: And 128 Other Poems. illus. by Andy Rowland & Richard Watson. Lerner/Millbrook. ISBN 9781728487649.
Gr 1-4–A fun and silly book that teaches readers a variety of forms of poetry using the topics of school, family, and pets and spiced with everyday humor. The combination of zany cartoon illustrations, educational matter, and laughs make this a must-read.

FROST, Helen. The Mighty Pollinators. photos by Rick Lieder. Candlewick. ISBN 9781536229103.
PreS-Gr 4–Beautiful verses and stunning photographs of pollinators showcase their vital place in our ecosystem. The short, informational poems can be used to appreciate nature in a classroom setting or be read for pleasure at home.

HARRISON, David L. Wild Brunch. illus. by Giles Laroche. Charlesbridge. ISBN 9781623543945.
Gr 2-5–Thirteen entries enlighten readers about the eating habits of animals, from aardvarks to house flies. The artwork and animal knowledge interwoven in poetic form make this a delightfully informative collection.

HUGHES, Langston. Aunt Sue’s Stories. illus. by Gary Kelley. Creative Eds. ISBN 9781568464039.
Gr 2-4–In this poem by Harlem Renaissance great Hughes, Aunt Sue shares her stories, which are more than just stories—they are from her own life of hardship growing up as an enslaved person. Bold illustrations revitalize the classic work for a modern audience.

LEWIS, Amanda West. A Planet Is a Poem. illus. by Oliver Averill. Kids Can. ISBN 9781525304422.
Gr 3-5–This blend of science and poetry turns our solar system into a galaxy of lyric forms all about the Earth and beyond. With bright-hued illustrations, interactive back matter, and scientific resources, this will appeal to space and poetry enthusiasts.

LIMÓN, Ada. In Praise of Mystery. illus. by Peter Sís. Norton. ISBN 9781324054009.
PreS-Gr 2–This excellent book takes the mystery and wonder in the world and wraps it up into a moving poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Limón. With further information shared about how the poem is engraved on NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, the meaning is deeper and richer.

MANLEY, Curtis. Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku. illus. by Jennifer K. Mann. Holiday House/Neal Porter. ISBN 9780823451661.
PreS-Gr 3–Using only haiku, this book tells the story of a family climbing Oregon’s South Sister volcano on a gorgeous day. Educators can share it during story hours, or use it in poetry lessons, story writing, science and nature studies, and more.

POSEY, Alexander. Autumn (Petite Poems). illus. by Paige Pettibon. Cameron Kids. ISBN 9781949480580.
K-Gr 4–A celebration of the changing season through the eyes of a child. This book poignantly breaks up Posey’s (Muscogee) classic poem. Coupled with the warm and bright illustrations, it feels like a crisp autumn day.

SALTZBERG, Barney. The Smell of Wet Dog: And Other Dog Poems and Drawings. Holiday House/Neal Porter. ISBN 9780823456390.
Gr 1-4–A lighthearted book of 27 jolly poems all about the love of dogs. Sketches in a palette of mostly browns and blacks show the canines and their human companions interacting in various ways. This is a good one for young readers who are new to or hesitant about poetry but love animals.

SHANTÉ, Angela. The Unboxing of a Black Girl. Page Street YA. ISBN 9798890039538.
Gr 9 Up–Shanté shares her story of Black girlhood through a collection of free verse poetry and vignettes. This uniquely structured poetry memoir is an ode to Black girls and a powerful reflection on topics like mental health that are relatable to young adults.

WATSON, Renée. Black Girl You Are Atlas. illus. by Ekua Holmes. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780593461709.
Gr 7 Up–A semi-autobiographical collection of poetry that encourages Black girls to cele­brate themselves with love. Presented in a variety of poetic forms and combined with full-color collage art, these poems will resonate with young adults.