A question for those who know poetry…?

Question

I would like to give as a holiday gift, a book of poetry to a nine-year-old girl.

I do not want to give her anything like Dr. Seuss or Mother Goose for she is well beyond them. I would like to give her an age appropriate book that shows to her the beauty of poetry.

Can you assist me in my search?
What, Who and Why.

Thank you.

Peace,
Sam

Thanks Margot,
I'll post this there too.

Thanks for the heads up.
Peace,
Sam

Thank you ObscureB.

If I have any problems, may I email you?

Peace,
Sam

Thank you Starfall - I check it out.

Peace

ObscureB - Your links came up perfectly so there is no need for me to email you today.
Thank you again,
Sam

Thank you Dondi.

I will check it out. I have a four year old and just may be collecting for her library as well.

Thanks again.
Peace,
Sam

Thank you Marguerite.

Jimney Crickets! I going to go bankrupt with all the books I am going to buy. (BIG SMILE)

Spelling correction I = I am, and a poopoo to who-ever gave Margot the TD - She was helping me!
Sam

Answer 1

No one mentioned Shel Silverstein... wow!

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein.

So there.

=P

Answer 2

Dang...Dancing Bee beat me to the punch...the only other book I'd recommend is one I recommend for adults as well...it has so many different types of poems and the ones I've found that really capture younger readers are the ones in the section entitled "poems that tell a story", is "Favorite Poems of the American People". It is a compilation of poetry that was collected over time from a wide circulation newspaper...and has some of the most famous poems you'll ever see included. If not on the local bookstore's shelf, it's available online or through the bookstore in about a week. If you want...buy it for the child, then read it yourself...the child will grow into the book before you know it.

Answer 3

My daughter is five (reading far above her station) and loves Charles Simic's "The World Doesn't End." This is also the book of poetry I started my partner's daughter on when we first met---she was ten. My daughter's favorite poem in this book is the one that begins: (they are mostly without titles) "I was stolen by gypsies. My parents stole me right back. Then the gypsies stole me again.This went on for some time."

People always buy children's poetry anthologies for children, but, in my opinion, an actual slim volume of poems is a better choice.

Simic is perfect for bright children, because he is a "real" poet, whose poems incorporate surreal imagery and humor. . . moreover, his poems are often genuinely touching and human. I like to give children poetry that's intended for adults, but is still accessible. . . they're smarter than some people think.

If you're not familiar with the book, and would like to see some poems from it, I'd be happy to send a few your way.

Added 8.29:

Hi Sam,

Since this question is still open, I thought I'd make a few other suggestions:

Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" is essential, and a good one to read early. Whitman revised and added to this book often, throughout his life; I believe the first and third editions are the best.

A collection of Emily Dickenson's, or E.E. Cummings' poems would be appropriate, also.

Neruda's "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair," may be a good choice; it's impassioned, but not as "naughty" and puckish as Simic ;).

Again, Good luck!

Answer 4

This looks promising. It is geared for 9 year olds plus.

My First Oxford Book of Poems
edited by John Foster
(Oxford University Press)
There is a gentle feel to this selection of traditional and modern poems that that is helped by the delicate balance between text and illustration on its 92 pages. The range of poems covers most subjects and the whole book is just what the title says - a good 'first' book of poetry. (reviewed by Eve Jackson)

Answer 5

I suggest a book of ancient haikus, those brief and beautiful poems written by many unnamed Asian poets in the long-ago and far-away, at least for most of us. I'm sure there are some authors still turning out gorgeous poetry in the genre.

I write of the haiku because I was about nine when I discovered them and I immediately tried to write my own, to give to a friend. Good stuff!

Answer 6

Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verse"
John Ciardi's "The Man Who Sang the Sillies"
Edward Gorey's "Amphigorey" or other works
There are any number of verse compilations for different ages, also.

Answer 7

The first book of poems I ever got was called "Reflections on a Gift of Watermelon Pickle." THere were all kinds of poems in there, serious and silly, by famous and not so famous poets. It wasa great book that I still go back to today. I hope it's still in print.

Answer 8

Sam, one of my all time favorite children's poetry books is
"A Child's Garden of Verses" by Robert Louis Stevenson. I grew up on it, and it contains some of my favorites to this day, including 'The Land of Counterpain'.
Good luck finding something for her.

Answer 9

Frankly, I would give someone that age something to hold onto and learn more about for the rest of their life. Kipling is good. Robert Service is good too.

Answer 10

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is a great poetry book for anyone.