How To Write Poetry Scholastic Guides
Who says you can't teach someone how to write poetry? Paul B. Janeczko's  thoughtful, clearly organized guide provides a terrific starting point for  anyone who has ever dreamed of putting pen to paper to express a thought or  feeling. Janeczko covers a range of techniques to help young poets create magic  with words. In chapters titled "Getting Ready," "Starting to Write," "Writing  Poems that Rhyme," "Writing Free Verse Poems," and "When Your Poem Is Finished,"  readers will pick up tips on keeping journals, paying attention to "sound  effects," revising, understanding figurative language, and submitting poems to  publishers. They'll also learn to avoid such pitfalls as assuming you'll  remember a brilliant idea (write it down!), not getting hung up on neatness or  spelling, and keeping in mind that lots of people try to get published--not  everyone will be. Special features include writing exercises, tips from poets,  and bibliographical information. There's also a checklist of good poetry books  and a glossary. Janeczko's enthusiasm and skill is reflected in this enjoyable,  straightforward guide. As he says, "It's all done with words. No high-tech  special effects. No computer-enhanced remastered sound. No trick photography.  Words. Those things we've used since we were babies. And when you sit down to  write a poem, you have the power of the words at your fingertips." For more fun  with poetry, try Janeczko'sFavorite Poetry Lessons. (Ages  9 and older)--Emilie Coulter