Baldwin, Neil.
The Poetry Writing Handbook
. New York: Scholastic Book Services, 1981. [I’ve found it incredibly practical and helpful. The poems are all written by contemporary American poets; the focus is on the conversational voice.]
Giovanni, Nikki.
Gemini
. New York: Penguin Books, 1971. [The poet’s extended autobiographical statement.
Gemini
, according to some critics, freely mixes fact, fantasy and fiction. I feel it leads to an appreciation—rather than an understanding—of Giovanni.]
Hopkins, Lee Bennett.
Pass the Poetry, Please
! New York: Citation Press, 1972. [An attempt at explaining the many things poetry can be. In addition to interesting teaching suggestions, Hopkins offers insights into authors kids appreciate and respond to.]
Janeczko, Paul B., ed.
Poetspeak
. Scarsdale, New York: Bradbury Press, 1983. [A collection of contemporary poems. Poets comment on their poems which have been reproduced in the book—sometimes explaining, sometimes raising further questions.]
Koch, Kenneth.
Sleeping on the Wing
. New York: Vintage Books, 1982. [Another helpful book. Modern poems serve as models for student writing. Some beautiful poems are included.]
Lopate, Phillip.
Being with Children
. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1975. [A poet’s account of his work and life in various classrooms teaching poetry—and other things. One of my favorite books.]
Merriam, Eve.
Man and Woman
:
The Human Condition
. Denver, Colorado: Research Center on Woman, 1968. [Text of an address (witty, serious, moving) given by the writer.]
Scholes, Robert.
Elements of Poetry
. New York: Oxford University Press, 1969. [The first book we read in seminar—a good beginning! Scholes carefully and painlessly guides you through the “game” of poetry.]
Untermeyer, Louis.
The Pursuit of Poetry
. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1969. [An informative and useful book: part primer, part anecdote, part history.]