April is National Poetry Month
Way back in April 1996, The Academy of American Poets established national poetry month as a way to recognise and celebrate the important ways poetry impacts our lives. Among its many benefits, poetry allows us to express our emotions, have a deeper appreciation for music, understand another's point of view, or even enjoy a creative outlet. The NKMS library is offering creative poetry stations all month long for interested students to visit during advisory, lunch, or a time agreed upon by a teacher. Students are encouraged to create a paint chip poem, some blackout poetry, poetry inspired by famous (and not so famous) art, and haiku. There is also a display of poetry book offerings in the library including verse novels and curated (and some hilarious) poetry collections based on middle school experiences.
About the PosterWhat rises like a tide, catches like a sail, moves like the wind, and crashes like a wave — but isn’t a boat on the sea? Just as a poet aims to transform concrete language into figurative meaning, the challenge of an illustrator is to not translate words into images too literally. The very act of both is, in my imagination, beheld in these lines excerpted from Lucille Clifton’s “blessing the boats”: a movement from one medium to another, as from air to water…. On the occasion of National Poetry Month, which in part celebrates the active role poetry plays in young people’s education, reading Clifton’s poem provoked within me the question whether, in the act of “sailing through this to that,” one retains the innocence supposed in her words. In depicting a child raptly cannonball-diving into the unknown, I send forth my own wish for every young person to leap into the “serious business” of poetry with all the spoils of youth intact.”
—Jack Wong |
On Our Shelves
Check out the titles below for a sample of verse in the NKMS library. These are a small sample of the many amazing titles that celebrate poetry. Each is linked to a Goodreads review.
Spoken Word Poetry:
Just like the title suggests, spoken word poetry is created to be performed, heard...and spoken. The examples here are not only entertaining, but relevant and inspirational. Enjoy!
Oh Hey!
Hi there! I'm Mrs. Mordica, the NKMS librarian. If you have a question, suggestion, or just want to say "hey," email me :)
Literary Awards and Booklists
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
If you are interested in reading books selected by experts in the fields of children’s and young adult literature for their high literary quality, you might want to look at the archives for major national literary awards.
- The Newbery Medal has, since 1922, been given annually to “the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.” Generally, two to four Honor books are also named.
- The Printz Award is a newer award that is essentially the Newbery for YA literature. It is given annually to “the best book for teens, based entirely on its literary merit.” Honor books are also named.
- The Morris Award honors and celebrates debut authors in YA literature. Up to five finalists are named annually, with one winner announced in January. The award goes to the book that “illuminate[s] the teen experience and enrich[es] the lives of its readers through its excellence.”
- The Boston Globe-Horn Book Award is given to books in three categories for “high quality and creative excellence.” Up to two Honor books in each category can be named as well. The winners go on to headline a day-long symposium for editors, writers, and scholars of children’s and young adult literature.
- The National Book Award for Young People’s Literature is selected by a committee of five, comprising authors, librarians, critics, and booksellers. A ten-book longlist is selected, and a five-book shortlist and single winner are announced later.
- The Alex Award is given yearly by the Young Adult Library Services Association. It selects ten books written and published for adults that are of particular interest or appeal to teens.
Our Mission
The NKMS library engages with the New Kent community training confident researchers, critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, and ethical participants in the contemporary information landscape; we provide quality resources for both academic and personal endeavors while collaborating with faculty members and the New Kent community to enhance instruction.