April is National Poetry Month!

Does your family enjoy poetry? When I was growing up, my parents made space for each of us to post our favorite poems by the kitchen and bathroom sinks so we'd have something interesting to read and ponder while washing up. I've continued this tradition in my own family and it is a great delight! I particularly enjoy sharing poetry with my daughter and appreciating well-worn classics anew through her fresh eyes.

Whether you are already a huge fan of poetry or not, why not do something to mark National Poetry Month? Go browse in the 811s section at the public library and see what jewels you find. Or check out the Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry database available through the public library and see how many poems you can find at your fingertips!

One very charming book about poetry appreciation for upper elementary and middle school students is Immersed in Verse: An Informative, Slightly Irreverent & Totally Tremendous Guide to Living the Poet's Life by Allan Wolf. Whether you find poetry mysterious and challenging or are a longtime lover of verse, you'll find something to engage and entertain you in this volume.