List
Poetry for Kids: Grades 3+
Poetry for kids who don't think they like poetry! Funny, snarky, and heartwarming poetry books that are quick to read and stay with you for a long time.
-
Life Doesn't Frighten Me
2017 by Angelou, MayaGet this itemMaya Angelou's poetry with the art of Jean-Michel Basquiat is a powerful pairing.
-
The Stuff of Stars
2018 by Bauer, Marion DaneGet this itemGorgeously illustrated poem about the Big Bang and the beginning of the universe.
-
A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart
2020 by Elliott, ZettaGet this itemThis picture book celebrates the feelings of summer joy and happiness, until something happens in the community that changes those feelings. Even though it looks like a book for younger kids, it's really a book to share with older kids to help heal from traumatic events.
-
Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems
2014Get this itemGorgeous illustrations complement extracts or full poems by luminaries like Emily Dickinson and Langston Hughes. Organized by the seasons, the book begins with a sunrise and ends with a child going to sleep. A gem!
-
Mathematickles!
2003 by Franco, BetsyGet this itemMath can be fun! A walk through the seasons that includes a variety of different poetic forms.
-
The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics
2021 by Hood, SusanGet this itemFun illustrations and poems that bring environmentalism home, like, "this is the fork that Jack threw away." It's a good mix of information on how serious the challenges are and great ideas from kid activists and scientists. Did you know you can use jellyfish mucus to capture microplastics?
-
I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage
2019Get this itemA collection of works by poets and illustrators of diverse backgrounds sharing memorable childhood and family experiences and reflecting on their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.
-
A Hatful of Dragons and More Than 13.8 Billion Other Funny Poems
2020 by Madan, VikramGet this itemAliens, bugs, dinosaurs, dragons, sticky bubblegum, and an uncle you can buy at a corner store are featured in this fun poetry book filled with tongue twisters, Mad Libs where YOU create the poem, and other sorts of silliness! And yes, there are more than 13.8 billion poems--you'll have to read it to see how they all fit into this one book.
-
Hard-Boiled Bugs for Breakfast and Other Tasty Poems
2021 by Prelutsky, JackGet this itemYummy or nauseating? This is Jack Prelutsky's latest book, full of fun, funny, and nonsensical poetry for kids.
-
This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness
2007 by Sidman, JoyceGet this itemOne of our favorite kids poetry books, this book features apology and forgiveness poems written from the point of view of a 6th-grade class. It's at times snarky, funny, and heartbreaking. Reads like a play.
-
A Stick Is an Excellent Thing: Poems Celebrating Outdoor Play
2012 by Singer, MarilynGet this itemIt's a hot summer day and time to play, play, play! Running through sprinklers? Blowing bubbles? Catching fireflies? Yes, yes, yes!
Bookmatch
Bookmatch allows Skokie Library cardholders to receive a custom list of titles prepared for you by the library's expert staff.
Try Bookmatch