Knock at a Star: A Child's Introduction to Poetry

An anthology of mostly very short poems by standard, contemporary, and anonymous poets, intended to stimulate interest in reading and writing poetry.

Grade 3-7-With a greatly expanded collection of poems and new black-and-white pencil sketches, this revision (Little, Brown, 1985) will appeal to a whole new generation of readers. Its approach to the genre will show children that poetry can be lighthearted, humorous, and fun. The anthologists start by asking, "What Do Poems Do?" The selections that follow are then organized in groups of those that can, "Make You Smile," "Start You Wondering," or "Help You Understand People." "What's Inside a Poem?" includes "Images," "Word Music," and "Word Play," and the chapter on "Special Kinds of Poetry" contains "Limericks," "Songs," and "Haiku." Comments introduce each section and are offered throughout the book. While plenty of the biggies in poetry are here (e.g., Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, and Walt Whitman), lesser-known poets are showcased as well, including "Anonymous," who, after Shakespeare, "may be the second best poet in our language." An afterword provides suggestions for adults using poetry with groups. Whether read aloud or silently, this anthology has great child appeal.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
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