Social Poetry

Everyone feels, but not everyone proves it the same way. Some sing, others shout. Some rhyme, others curse. Some dance, others hit. These are examples of how we try to get people to understand, “I’m feeling this way, and I want you to know about it!” This book has some of my examples, and since I consider these healthy expressions, I hope they will help you find your own.

Kahlil Gibran wrote prolifically and passionately in Arabic as well as English. First published in 1965 with nine works of poetry translated by Joseph Sheban, Mirrors of the Soul includes writings by Gibran that are as poignant today as when first written, such as “The New Frontier” and “The Sea.” These poems illuminate the dual nature of Gibran, who lived in the shadows both of New York skyscrapers and the cedars of his childhood Lebanon.

Tired of life in a noisy city, a group of magicians gathers together and POOF!—they create their very own town. Being rather self-centered, they elect themselves to various positions in the town. When the voting is over, every magician has been elected to office; everyone, that is, except young Abracadabra Bartholomew Brown. Why not Bartholomew? Because he stutters, which causes some people to tease him and think less of him.

Based on the electric and historic appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, this poetic picture book from powerhouse jessica Care moore outlines the dreams of a young girl who wants to change the world one day. Regardless of the obstacles put into place, her crown shines brightly. A love letter to the Black women pioneers of the past and to the next little girl who will one day be crowned, this melodic anthem, with luminous illustrations by award-winning illustrator Dare Coulter, is a celebration of one woman’s story that will inspire generations to come.

Broken down by a variety of subject matter, each section begins with a selection from an interview between NBA star Etan Thomas and political sportswriter Dave Zirin, followed by a Thomas poem and the writings of talented young poets.

An ode to the girl with scrapes on her knees and flowers in her hair, and every girl in between, this exquisite treasury will appeal to fans of Dear Girl and I Am Enough and have kids poring over it to find a poem that's just for them.

Ana Rosa is a blossoming young writer growing up in a poor seaside village in the Dominican Republic. At the young age of 12, she finds herself faced with turning points that will make up who she is, watching her brother's search for a future, learning to dance and to love, and finding out what it means to be a part of a community.

Do you feel like you live life looking in from the outside? From the way you speak, to the color of your skin, to the way you vote, or the way you pray, you don't fit the mold. And yet you find yourself still trying to prove yourself to others. In Set Me Free, New York Times bestselling author Lecrae invites you on a poetic and artistic exploration of how you can persevere against the lies of unworthiness to experience the freedom given to you in Jesus.

What I Wish I Was Told, Part 2 is a sequel to Dr. Todd Gewant's first book of poetry. Dr. Gewant continues to explore valuable lessons in life pertaining to ending racism, promoting equality and self-esteem, keeping commitments, and realizing a better life for everyone in a more just and peaceful world.

Anthony Crowley's Stripped Verses is a poetry collection themed around naturism, nature. The collection also focuses on body positivity, confidence, and social acceptance. Includes the award-winning verse "Solar Angel".

Award-winning author Helen Frost takes us into the breathtaking Alaskan winter landscape in this thrilling adventure with a touch of fantasy. Twelve-year-old Willow - whose heritage is both Athabascan Indian and European - wants nothing more than to mush the sled dogs to her grandparents’ home. After pressing her parents for some time, she is finally allowed to go alone. But when she commits a critical mistake, Willow wonders how she’ll ever make things right again.

Anikwa and James, 12 years old in 1812, spend their days fishing, trapping, and exploring together in the forests of the Indiana Territory. To Anikwa and his family, members of the Miami tribe, this land has been home for centuries. As traders, James' family has ties to the Miami community as well as to the American soldiers in the fort. Now tensions are rising - the British and American armies prepare to meet at Fort Wayne for a crucial battle, and Native Americans from surrounding tribes gather in Kekionga to protect their homeland.

Written in free verse, Hidden is a compelling tale about an unlikely friendship between two girls. Darra Monson and Wren Abbott first cross paths when Darra’s deadbeat dad is arrested for theft and kidnapping after he steals a car - unaware that Wren was sitting in the back. Years later, the girls - now teens - attend the same summer camp, and are forced to confront the fateful event that changed their lives.

Hate was easy, loving was hard; hate lay down like a rotten fruit, but love needs to be nurtured. Roy McFarlane's second poetry collection The Healing Next Time is a timely and unparalleled book of interwoven sequences on institutional racism, deaths in custody, and of a life story set against the ever-changing backdrop of Birmingham at the turn of the millennium.

Enoch Arden first came to international attention with a recording by Claude Raines and Glenn Gould, but it has since drifted back to obscurity. This is a work that both Luxon and Moyer have loved for many years. The poem is immediately accessible to any audience and tells a heart-wrenching story of friendship, love, separation, and sacrifice. The masterful score creates a powerful soundtrack to the saga.

The title is Search Party, the idea being that we’re all out here looking for something, and my poems are my way of finding myself. A young black poet blending spoken word and rap; an inner city upbringing with a Cambridge education; a social consciousness with a satirical wit and infectious rhythm--George the Poet is the voice of a new generation. Search Party is a thought-provoking and deeply autobiographical collection.

"Once I dreamed I swam / the ocean / and saw everything deep, cool / and was part of the waves. / I swam on by the people / onshore / hollering, / 'A girl like you needs to / stay out of the water / and be dry / like everyone else.'" Empower young listeners to embrace their individuality, reject societal limitations, and follow their dreams. This inspiring book uses a poem by acclaimed author Angela Johnson to celebrate girls of color.

Sea alegría, tristeza o miedo, sorpresa, calma, asco, enfado o ternura lo que siento, es de lo más natural hacer un poco el animal. Un cuento para entender que todas las emociones son buenas, si sabemos identificarlas y gestionarlas. ¡Descúbrelo en este relato salvajemente tierno!

Being true to yourself and showing the world who you are isn't always easy. Gorgeously Me assures young listeners that they are loved and cherished, exactly as they are. A joyous, lyrical ode of pride and self love and a celebration of all of the things that make us exceptional.

New York Times best-selling author Nikki Grimes has received numerous accolades for her writing, including the Coretta Scott King Award. In Planet Middle School, 12-year-old Joylin Johnson is satisfied with her life. Everything seems pretty simple: a nice, relaxed game of basketball with the boys is all she needs to keep her happy. But it all changes when her best girlfriend starts flirting with her best guy friend.