TRY THIS AT HOME. Poems to inspire young readers. From Eileen Spinelli's many goodbyes to summer at the shore, to Avis Harley's catalog of ways to say hello across the globe, to a close look at the birds and animals outside Valiska Gregory's window in winter…Georgia Heard has collected list poems from contemporary poets. Each list is gathered with a poet's eye – carefully selected details beautifully presented – so that readers see the extraordinary in the ordinary. And so readers are encouraged to be writers. The simplicity of each poem and Georgia Heard's introduction will inspire young poets to write their own. The table of contents creates the first list here, naming the 45 list poems appearing in this slender volume. Then come the poems themselves, which celebrate children’s everyday experiences during the school year. The poems vary from simple lists to descriptive ones to those combining with other forms, such as concrete poetry. Well designed to display lists, the narrow pages are bound at the top edge, creating a long vertical space on each page or double-page spread. There are no illustrations, and none are needed. The placement of each large-type title creates a different look for each selection. The anthology includes verse by contemporary children’s poets such as Rebecca Kai Dotlich, Jane Yolen, Lee Bennett Hopkins, and Naomi Shihab Nye. Since list poems are a frequent starting place for classroom poetry-writing projects, teachers will welcome this fine anthology. Grades 3-6. --Carolyn Phelan “Accessibility is one of the book's greatest strengths, since the compact verses focus on familiar aspects of daily kid life.” ― Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books “The poems will spark imagination.” ― Kirkus Reviews “Teachers will welcome this fine anthology.” ― Booklist “Truly wonderful.” ― Katie's Literature Lounge “A winner.” ― School Library Journal “A thoroughly entertaining and distinctive collection.” ― BookPage GEORGIA HEARD is a poet, writer and teacher, who travels widely, speaking and giving workshops for children and adults. She lives in Singer Island, Florida.