
Happy National Poetry Month (NPM)! NPM was introduced by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996 as a way to increase appreciation for poets and their art. Now it is celebrated across the U.S. every year! 2020 should be no different. The public health crisis caused by COVID-19 has forced us all indoors, but we can still celebrate together while separated- virtually!
Celebrate at Home:
- Ask your kiddo studying at home to participate in the Dear Poet Project
- Sign up for “Poem-a-Day”
- Take turns reading poems aloud
- Ask your kiddo to define what poetry means to them and challenge them to write one poem a day
- Play “Exquisite Corpse”
- Write a poem in response to your favorite piece of art
- Write a poem about nature for Earth Day!
- Listen to spoken word online
- Create “Found Poetry” using old books, magazines, or even random objects in nature
- Create “Black-Out” poetry with a sharpie and old book page
Book Recommendations:
KCPL offers a ton of digital titles through Hoopla and Libby! Check out these poetry recommendations from our librarians!
Kids
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
Available on Hoopla and Libby

Poetree by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds
Available on Libby

Picture Book
Booked by Kwame Alexander
Available on Libby

Recommended for Grades 4-8
Teen
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Available on Hoopla and Libby

Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
Available on Libby

For Everyone by Jason Reynolds
Available on Libby

Adult
The Sun and her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
Available on Hoopla & Libby

Recommended Parental Advisory: Ages 18+
Our Numbered Days by Neil Hilborn
Available on Libby

How Poetry Can Change Your Heart by Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley
Available on Hoopla

Written by Emily Griffis, programmer at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library and avid reader of poetry!