Get in the spirit by reading some great poetry, exploring classic poems and poets, or trying a novel in verse. Check out poets.org to learn more!
- The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess
Explore the world of rhyme with this classic story about an obnoxious and troublesome cat and his friends. Also check out the sequel, The Cat in the Hat Comes Back! Ages birth to 5. Available in audio (RC033062) and Braille (BR008932, BR016724 and BR013461).
- Oh! The Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Suess
Did you know that Dr. Suess wrote in verse? This delightful book offers great advice for all ages on life and reaching for your dreams! Ages 3 and up. Available in audio (RC030795) and Braille (BR008247 and BR013744).
- Here Comes Mother Goose edited by Iona Opie
These short, delightful poems are well known to children all over the world, but never get old. Includes classics like “Old Mother Hubbard,” “One Two, Buckle My Shoe,” and many more. Ages 3 to 10. Available in audio (RC049540) and large type (LP023697).
- Sheep in a Jeepby Nancy Shaw
Ride along with a group of adventurous sheep in this fun rhyming tale! Ages 4-8. Available in audio (CBA06748), large type (LP014635), or Braille (BRW00697).
- The New Oxford Book of Children’s Verse
An anthology of over 350 poems by English poets from throughout history from William Blake to William Butler Yeats. A great place for any kid to start exploring poetry! Ages 5 and up. Available in audio (RC045712) and Braille (BR011433).
- Fables, Foibles, and Foobles by Carl Sandburg
In this collection for children, well-known poet Carl Sandburg writes short, funny poems sure to entertain all. Ages 5 and up. Available in audio (RC028627) and Braille (BR007608).
- When We Were Very Young by A.A. Milne
This classic book of poetry was written by Winnie the Pooh creator A.A. Milne for his young son, Christopher Robin. Ages 6 to 12. Available in audio (RC015330) or Braille (BR002151).
- Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
All ages will enjoy these quirky and funny poems. Shel Silverstein writes something for everyone that is sure to make you smile! Ages 8 and up. Available in audio (RC035732) or Braille (BRW00491).
- Bubble Trouble and Other Stories by Margaret Mahy
This collection features three crazy poems and two silly stories. The title poem features a girl who blows a bubble that carries her little brother away over town. Ages 8 to 12. Available in audio (RC040956).
- Dude! Stories and Stuff for Boys edited by Sandy Asher
Poetry isn’t just for girls! Check out this awesome anthology full of poems about being a guy by popular male authors. Ages 9 to 14. Available in Braille (BR016832).
- Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
Annie loves to run and draw and expresses her passions through free verse as she spends a year dealing with change and growing up. Ages 10 to 15. Available in large type (LP020606) or audio (RC062114).
- I, Too, Sing America: Three Centuries of African American Poetry by Catherine Clinton
A volume of poetry written by African American authors from colonial times to the present. Ages 10 and up. Available in audio (RC048399) or Braille (BR012244).
- Poetry for Young People by Robert Frost
This collection of poems by famed poet Robert Frost features poems about the four seasons. Ages 10 and up. Available in audio (RC039975).
- Poems for Youth by Emily Dickinson
Classic American poet Emily Dickinson wrote this collection of poems on growing up for her nieces and nephews. Ages 10 and up. Available in Braille (BR011483).
- Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
This award winning novel tells the story of Billie Jo, a fourteen year old girl growing up in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression. Ages 11 and up. Available in audio (RC046712), Braille (BR011956) or large type (LP020953).
- Sprints and Distances: Sports in Poetry and Poetry in Sports compiled by Lillian Morrison
Poems by many well-known authors exploring sports and sportsmanship throughout history. Ages 12 and up. Available in audio (RC016561) and Braille (BR004735).
- Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Students at a Bronx high school express themselves through poetry, verse, and hip-hop at their schools weekly open-mic nights. Ages 13 and up. Available in audio (RC055776) and Braille (BR014623).
- Class Dismissed: High School Poems and Class Dismissed II: More High School Poems by Mel Glenn.
These collections of poems speak to the high school experience and what it’s like to be a teenager. Ages 14 and up. Available in audio (RC019572 and RC026099).
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Esperanza is a teenager growing up in the colorful Puerto Rican neighborhood of Chicago. Esperanza uses writing and storytelling as a way to deal with growing up in this unique environment. Ages 16 and up. Available in audio (RC035608) or Spanish audio (RC050975).
- Complete Poems by e.e. cummings
A collection of poems by one of the greatest lyrical poets of the 20th century. Ages 16 and up. Available in audio (RC021554).