Reviews for Out of wonder : poems celebrating poets

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Powerhouse poet Alexander, along with friends Colderley and Wentworth, offers a culturally rich collection of poetic tributes that extends the legacies of poets from around the globe. With mixed-media illustrations by Caldecott honoree Holmes that are just as vibrant as the words and stories that accompany them, the anthology brings readers through a time- and world-traveling adventure of the poetic imagination. Eras, places, and cultures represented include ancient times, 20th-century, contemporary, Japan, Uganda, African-American, Native American, Latino, and white, too. This cross-cultural exploration embraces the timeless power of poetry, as Alexander's preface makes clear, "to reach inside of you, to ignite something in you, and to change you in ways you never imagined." The tributes to such legendary poets as Rumi, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou both serve as homage, transparent in their honest gratitude for their inspiration and wisdom, and emulate their distinctive styles. "Snapshots," Colderley's poem celebrating Nikki Giovanni, reads in part, "poetry isbarbecuecotton candypurple skin beets from Daddy's garden / bluesthe Birdland jazz clubSunday morning gospelchasing justicefreedom," capturing Giovanni's subject matter and stylized punctuation use. This book is sure to be an educator's lucky charm for a survey-of-poetry unit and is also a perfect entryway for families to wonder and explore together. Brief notes introduce the three sections, and thumbnail biographies of the poets celebrated are appended. A magnificent exploration of the poetic imagination. (Picture book/poetry. 8-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.


Horn Book
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Twenty poems, each "celebrating" a notable poet, variously mimic poets' styles, incorporate their feelings and themes, or acknowledge and thank them. The celebrated poets represent a wide range of cultures and time periods. Vibrant, arresting mixed-media collages complement and extend the themes and rich imagery presented in the poems. Educators teaching poetry or introducing influential poets will welcome this stellar title. Biographical information appended. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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