Seeing the Blue Between

Bibliography
Janeczko, Paul B. 2002. Seeing the Blue Between. Candlewick Press: Massachusetts. ISBN: 978-0-7636-0881-1.

About the Book
This collection of letters by more than 30 critically acclaimed poets is edited by Paul B. Janeczko. Each poet included in the collection authored a letter of advice to young would-be poets. These letters cover many themes, especially reading and revising. One poet, Joseph Bruchac, tells the budding poets, "Where others see nothing, poets envision something." Following each letter, a sample of that poet's work is shared. This collection would work well as one to share with a class of elementary students whose teacher is trying to introduce a poetry writing lesson. Although there are no illustrations in this book, a couple of concrete poems are included and should be shared both visually and through oral reading. One special feature of this book is the "Notes on Contributors" section at the end of the book.  Each contributing poet has a thumbnail photo and a brief biography.  

One Poem
Poets Go Wishing

Poets go fishing
with buckets
of words,
fishing 
and wishing.

Using a line
that's loose or
tight
(Maybe this time
a rhyme is right.)

Unreeling
unreeling
the words till they
match
the feeling the poet is
trying to 
catch.   

Activities
*Read the poem and allow students to share what they envision when hearing it.  Then provide paper and drawing materials so that students can draw what they "see".
* Use this collection of letters and poems to guide students through the process of writing their own poetry.
*After hearing the advice and poems of different authors, allow students to choose one poet as their "favorite." Assist students to locate other poems by that poet and read further.