NPM Day 28 and Poetry Friday: The Letter X

My book spine poem for NPM 2017:

She walks in beauty

A jar of tiny stars

Awakening the heart

Opening a door

House of light 

Pass the poetry, please!

Continuing my alphabetic stroll

through National Poetry Month 

with the letter X . . . 

X. J. Kennedy

Knock at a Star:  A Child's Introduction to Poetry coauthored with Dorothy M. Kennedy is the book that I pulled off my shelf and relaxed knowing that I had something for the letter X.  I love this book and even though it was written 35 years ago, I still find it to be a wonderful introduction to poetry.  I'm contemplating adding a poetry book to our literature circle collection at the middle school.  I'm torn between this title and Poetry Speaks:  Who I Am.  The later collection is probably more appropriate for our middle school audience (and includes an audio CD), but I love the voice of the Kennedys scattered throughout their memorable anthology.  

You might enjoy the Poetry Foundation's poem sampler about X. J. Kennedy,  An Xceptional and Exuberant Poet, written by Jack Prelutsky.   

Francisco X. Alarcon

I love the seasonal poetry books by this author and even managed to arrange the titles into a book spine poem.  

Laughing Tomatoes

From the Bellybutton of the Moon

Angels Ride Bikes and

Iguanas in the Snow

If you've never explored these poetry books, do not pass go, but stop now and request these seasonal, bilingual titles in Spanish and English, beautifully illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez.  You'll delight in the poems as you stroll through the seasons of the year.  Be sure to read the Afterword in each book which gives a bit of context for each title. "Words Are Birds" is a favorite poem from the book, Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems. 

Head over to Teaching Authors, 

where JoAnn Early Macken is in charge
of this week's round-up of poetic goodness.
Thanks, JoAnn, for hosting this week!