Janeczko, Paul B. 2002. Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, Inc. ISBN-10: 076362909X ISBN-13: 978-0763629090
Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets is just what the title says. Paul B. Janeczko has compiled advice and teaching inspirations from 32 poets, who write for children and young adults. Who better to inspire budding poets than the experts themselves with strategies, advice and experience? Get out your pencils, pens, recorder, journals, whatever you need to begin having fun with words.
Kristine O’Connell George’s poem “The Blue Between” pg. 37 about the blue between the clouds is the title of this book. Thirty two poets have given valuable insight on how to write poems. Some of the other renowned poets are Joesph Bruchac, Nikki Grimes, Mary Ann Hoberman, Douglas Florian, Georgia Heard, Janet Wong. Twenty-five others bring their own styles, ethnicity, humor, and experiences for inspiring and promoting young adults on their journey in poetry writing. I like the way that the poets begin each of their advice, for example, “Seeing Your Poetry”, “Dear Poet”, “To My Dear Writing Friends” and more. This sets the tone for the student in feeling that the poet is speaking directly to them, which they really are. This book is a must for all libraries and language arts classrooms, because of the many wonderful lessons, experiences and advice provided for inspiring future poets. As I was sitting on my back porch enjoying the birds, I was inspired from the encouragement of the poets to try my hand on a poem in my journal. Paul B. Janeczko's anthology of poets sharing their writing styles should be a required book when teaching poetry. This book would be best suited for 5th graders through adults. The book is typeset in Giovanni and Stone Sans.
Letter to a Young Poet
Love words,
play with them,
find the meanings of those you don’t know.
Learn to recognize
descriptive words,
active words,
evocative words,
reflective words—
all manner of words
for all manner of purposes.
Decide whether you like to write in rhyme
or in other forms.
Experiment,
invent words,
invent forms,
harness ideas,
fish for images,
and metaphors.
Express your ideas
in words and forms
that suit you.
Find your own voice
even if it takes hard work
and many hours.
Traveling to a poem
is a journey to be enjoyed.
P.S. I meant to start with this but decided to finish with it: Read other poets’ poems, learn from them, and delight in them.
(Michael Dugan, pgs. 14-15)
This poem is a great teaching tool without explanation from the librarian/teacher. I would have this poem displayed in the library or classroom and provide each student with a copy to use as a guide for writing their own poems. I love how the poem starts with “love words”. Michael Dugan encourages poetry writers to make a list of words they want to use and experiment with them. His advice at the end of the letter is also perfect for future poetry writers. I would use this letter as a starting place when beginning our poetry writing and introduce a variety of poems that depict his advice by showing how to invent words, express ideas, etc. His use of descriptive words provides a visual in the students mind on how words can be used. “Invent words”, “harness ideas” and “fish for images” are great ways for students to see how words can provide the magic through their own poetry expressions.
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