Valentine Hearts selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins is perfect for young readers because they will relate to poems about everything from heart-shaped sandwiches to hoping for a special valentine and a love note for a special pet. I am honored to have a poem included in this very gorgeous little book.
Singing Valentine
Outside my window
on the icy ground belowa little bird sings:
"Chick-a-dee
dee
dee
Chick-a-dee
dee
dee."
A valentine melody
just for me!
Linda Kulp, all rights reserved
Click here to read two poems from the collection by two very talented poets, Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Marilyn Singer.
Sweethearts Dance
He pulls her close
She strokes his face
Their thoughts fly to
Their starting place
Read the rest of the poem here, and you'll see why I'm such a big Nikki Grimes fan.
Check out these links for a few Young Adult collections I love:
I Am Wings and Buried Alive both by Ralph Fletcher
A Lion’s Hunger: Poems of First Love by Ann Turner
Partly Cloudy: Poems of Love and Longing by Gary Soto
Dizzy in Your Eyes: Poems About Love by Pat Mora
I found the next two collections several years ago while browsing the poetry section in my local Borders. It's unfortunate that so many wonderful book stores have closed. I used to have a lot of fun discovering treasures such as these.
Also check out: Love Poems by Charles Ghigna. After you read these beautiful poems, you might want to pen your own poem for someone you love. Charles provides us with inspiration and advice here.
Love Poems by Nikki Giovanni. I come back to these poems again and again!
If you have other favorite collections of love poetry, please share the titles with me so I can add them to my bookshelf.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Be sure to stop by to see Sally for more Poetry Friday to love today!
I love the LBH easy-reader anthology. Linda's poem is fun! And how did I NOT know of this Nikki Grimes collection. I love her books! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. I've been a Nikki Grimes fan for many, many years. My favorite poem in this collection is "Pineapple Surprise." I use this poem to teach senory details. It always inspires my kids to write their own "food/family" poems.
DeleteThanks for reminding me of the Fletcher volumes....I think I shall have to have these out in preparation for Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteTara, I think I own just about every book Ralph has written. I've been fortunate to hear him speak twice, and I love his new book "Mentor Author, Mentor Texts." It's a great resource for writing teachers.
ReplyDeleteI too have the Fletcher books & the Hopkins, but I've never seen Nikki Grimes' love poems, although I have others by her. I'll have to look for it. I got a glimpse of Charles Ghigna's wonderful poems on his post. That was a find. Thanks for all the ideas! (I wanted to look you up partly because my name is Linda too!)
ReplyDeleteHi Linda! You'll love Charles' book. What a wonderful tribute to his wife. The emotion really comes through!
ReplyDeleteSome lovely links here, Linda... and how LOVEly is your chickadee?? Thank you so much for sharing. Happy Valentine's Day to YOU. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. Happy Valentine's Day!
DeleteI love your poem, Linda! And I will definitely check out these books by some of my favorite poets. Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes, these are some lovely books, and I know you'll enjoy them! Happy Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful list, Linda! And your poem is so sweet! I have more than one of the books, for myself & I used to write love poems with my middle-school students at this time of year. While they grumbled at first, I think they liked that I gave them permission to write a little romantically! Thank you, & Happy "Heart" Day!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome collection of books! Our used book superstore lost its lease and is closing. So sad, but I bought $40 worth of poetry books!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous list of resources you shared with us here. Glad to see the poem you contributed in Lee Bennett Hopkins' collection - he is one of my favourites. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your "Singing Valentine" - nothing sounds sweeter on snowy winter day. Great round up of "must read" poetry books. Happy Valentine's Day! <3
ReplyDeleteWow--a comprehensive collection, Linda--very valuable! I can't believe I've never come across the LBH collection that includes your chick-a-dee poem...I'll be adding that to my classroom bookshelf for sure. Thanks for all this!
ReplyDeleteGreat choices!
ReplyDeleteLove your Singing Valentine! Thanks for sharing all these terrific resources!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely recommends! I heart Nikki Grimes. Thanks for sharing sweet Valentines!
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