Cool Poetry Books & Resources for Teens
Wayland, April Halprin:
Girl Coming in For a Landing
Poems are written from the perspective of a
high-school girl. Each poem is placed on a black and white illustration ranging
from drawings to photos or collage, adding interest to this collection of poems
depicting things that teens can easily relate to from school boredom to boys.
Appelt, Kathi:
Poems From Homeroom: A Writer's Place to Start
The first part of the book
contains 26 poems of various forms. Teens will relate to the themes in these
poems about people and their experiences from getting a tattoo, body image,
relationships, school, playing air guitar and more. Appelt teaches writing, and
the second part of the book offers her background on inspiration for each poem,
instruction, and encouragement for aspiring poets.
Janeczko, Paul B.:
Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets
Thirty-three poets' works accompanied by that
poet's written words of advice on writing poetry combine in this anthology
compiled by poet and teacher Janeczko. The title comes from Kristine O'Connell
George's poem, "The Blue Between" describing how most people watch the clouds,
but she sees things differently in the blue sky between the clouds. Wonderful
support for poets by those who are successful- they are published!
George, Kristine O'Connell:
Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems
These poems land one directly into
the anxiety of a sixth-grade student girl, who describes one year in school.
Funny and realistic look at life through her eyes.
Books by Poet Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Diamond Life - The energetic, playful language
begs to be read aloud. Combined with bright colors, bold print in a variety of
fonts, and exceptional photography, this book is a winner.
Hoop Kings - This book will have enormous appeal
for all ages; basketball fans will love it, but so will others who respond to
color, lively language, and energy. Readers will experience a wild ride!
Hoop Queens - Smith's infectious wordplay may
encourage young basketball fans to invent their own creative ways to describe
the things they love. A great choice to energize poetry units.
Rimshots - This unconventional book might well
sneak up on kids who don't think they like to read and score a slam-dunk.
Tall Tales - Frenetic page design gives this
collection of high and wild b-ball feats the quick energy of a fast-break
playground game.
Short Takes - Varying from tight haiku to
free-form rap, the poems bounce with the rhythm of the ball, rhymes jumping from
the line end to the middle and back again. Stylish and immediate, this is
perfect for teachers seeking accessible material for poetry units and for young
fans of the game.
Perfect Harmony - Playful poems that may inspire
teens to find their own sounds in poetry or music.
Websites for Teens
TeenInk.com: With print and online versions, TeenInk has lots of readers.
A great place to submit your poetry.
TeenLit.com: Aspiring writer? This is a great site. You can publish your
writing, get tips on becoming a better teen writer, join online discussion groups about writing -- all in one spot.
Books & Resources About Body Image for Girls
The Girls' Guide to Life: How to Take Charge of the Issues That Affect You
by Catherine Dee
Body Language: A Guide to Changing Bodies for Adolescent Girls by Girls
Girls to the Rescue (A Guide to Life by Girls)
by New Moon Publishing; 1-800-381-4743
Adios, Barbie: Young Women Write About Body Image and Identity
by Ophria Edut
Girl Power in the Mirror
by By Helen Cordes
Real Gorgeous: The Truth about the Body and Beauty
by Kaz Cooke
Schoolgirls: Young Women, Self-Esteem, and The Confidence Gap
by Peggy Orenstein
33 Things Every Girl Should Know
Edited by Tonya Bolden
Girls Know Best: Advice for Girls from Girls on Just About Everything
Edited by Michelle Roehm
The Right Moves: A Girl's Guide to Getting Fit and Feeling Good
by Tina Schwager and Michele Schuerger
Ophelia Speaks: Adolescent Girls Write About Their Search for Self
by Sara Shandler
Deal With It: A Whole New Approach to Your Body, Brain and Life as a Gurl
by Esther Drill
The Real Rules for Girls
by Mindy Morgenstern
Headroom - Body Image
This website is written by young people for young people. This information is about body image:
what it is about, myths about body image, and getting positive about body image.
Books for Parents of Teens
200 Ways to Raise a Girl's Self-Esteem
by Will Glennon
Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls
by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
101 Ways to Help Your Daughter Love Her Body
by Brenda Lane Richardson and Elaine Rehr
