American Poetry

Look forward with the words of Watson

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson and Ekua Holmes

March 6, 2025 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson was one of those books I had heard about, seen, but never really wanted to read. I mean, I like young adult literature, I like poetry and I like young adult poetry. However, I judged the book by the cover and theme. I assumed it would be some flowery “poor me” story. Instead, it is a truly strong and amazing short collection of poems that are relatable, informative and thoughtful. The language is lovely, but straight forward. […]

For the Children

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children by Charles Ghigna

July 31, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Sara Brezzi is an interesting, sweet, classical poetry that can be a “when you need to” read or a good bedtime read. Delightful illustrations are soft and solid, while also being bold and tame. It would be a lovely gift for a baby shower, first birthday or the adult in your life who likes more lyrical, classically presented poetry. There are sections for themed poetry. Each section can act […]

Do you know what a riddle-ku is?

Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas

May 19, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Do you know what a Riddle-ku is? Learn all about them (and so much more) in this far out book of American haiku and riddles. Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons reads like a story and is all around A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! (add a few more !!! there). Laura Purdie Salas created poems that show the season it represents in a new way. We do not just see “leaves” for fall or “snow” for winter, but other creatures, ideas and feelings that we associate with […]

“The worst thing about being naked and then being hit by a car is that road rash is a problem for skin.”

September 27, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I might be a little burned out with poetry or just have heard and read so much of Neil Hilborn, that I am not jumping up and down over The Future by him as I have with his other book or with other Button Poetry Poets. Yet, The Future is still amazing. He knows what he is talking about with depression, life and death. He has lived, and is living, his subject matter. He “gets it” and wants to share that with you. He is […]

ElCicco on “How easy it is to leave things undone until they are too late.”I’d never heard of this series until your review. It sounds interesting - I do love historical fiction and an added mystery makes it all...
Malin on “Last week I considered going jogging in flip-flops just to remind myself how sex sounds.”It made me guffaw when I read the book, so I highlighted it to make sure I didn't forget about it. It seemed like the...
wicherwill on I Mean Sure, But Also NoWhen I listen to IBCK I do it at 1x speed and do nothing else, unlike normal podcasts that are 1.3-1.5x and for passing cardio...
esmemoria on “Last week I considered going jogging in flip-flops just to remind myself how sex sounds.”omg, that quote in the title is hilarious.
faintingviolet on I Mean Sure, But Also NoI was only able to listen to the first 15 minutes this morning, but its already shaping up to be an excellent episode.

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