Books About Poets

The Best Poets Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about poets? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Poets

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2010

One Crazy Summer

By Rita Williams-Garcia · Book #1 in the Gaither Sisters series

Three sisters meet their estranged mother and uncover unexpected truths during a summer with the Black Panthers.

Newbery Honor (2011)Coretta Scott King Award (2011)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2010)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2011)

218 pages· 45,472 words· Est. 6.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,131 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1968, Delphine and her sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland to reunite with their estranged mother, Cecile. Expecting a summer of fun, they instead find themselves at a Black Panther day camp. As Delphine navigates this unexpected world, she learns about family, identity, and the turbulent times they live in. Will the sisters find the connection they seek, or will Cecile's radical life keep them apart? Discover the transformative journey of three girls in a summer that changes everything.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

16 Words

By Lisa Rogers, Chuck Groenink (Illustrator)

Discover how a simple wheelbarrow inspired a timeless poem through mindful observation.

40 pages· 666 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 392 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Physical book

Summary: In a world of bustling streets and simple scenes, Dr. William Carlos Williams finds profound inspiration. As a street vendor's wheelbarrow catches his eye, the poet within him awakens. This picture book invites young readers to explore how everyday moments can spark extraordinary creativity. What will you see when you look out your window?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Emily Writes

By Jane Yolen, Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

A young girl's imagination bridges reality and poetry's magic.

40 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 226 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Young Emily Dickinson finds magic in the everyday, scribbling and rhyming her way through childhood. As she explores the boundary between reality and imagination, Emily's poetic journey begins. What will she discover in the in-between? This enchanting tale offers a glimpse into the early life of one of history's most celebrated poets.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

There Was a Party for Langston

By Jason Reynolds, Jerome Pumphrey (Illustrator), Jarrett Pumphrey (Illustrator)

Celebrate a legendary wordsmith whose legacy inspired a literary revolution.

Caldecott Honor (2024)Coretta Scott King Honor (2024)

56 pages· 816 words· Est. 14 min read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,902 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Join the vibrant celebration of Langston Hughes, the King of Letters, whose words sparked a literary movement. At a lively party in Harlem, luminaries like Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka gather to honor his legacy. Feel the rhythm of his influence as poets and writers pay tribute, dancing and reciting in a joyous homage. Discover how Hughes's powerful words continue to inspire generations, igniting creativity and breaking barriers. What stories will his word-children tell next? Experience the magic of a literary giant whose heart beats through the pages of history.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

Who Was Maya Angelou?

By Ellen Labrecque, Who HQ, Dede Putra (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

From hardship to global acclaim, a woman's journey defies the odds.

112 pages· 7,212 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 548 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In a world divided by segregation, a young woman rises from a turbulent childhood in Missouri to become a trailblazer. As the first black female streetcar operator in California, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery through dance and performance. Her true voice emerges in her writing, capturing the hearts of many with her powerful words. How does she transform her struggles into a legacy of resilience and inspiration? Discover the remarkable story of a woman who soared beyond the confines of her past to achieve international recognition.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2015

Enormous Smallness

By Matthew Burgess, Kris Di Giacomo (Illustrator)

Discover the courage and creativity of a poet who dared to be different.

64 pages· 1,846 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,459 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Explore the life of E.E. Cummings, a poet who embraced his unique voice. This picture book invites young readers to delve into his world, sparking curiosity and a love for words. Through his poems and story, discover the courage it takes to follow one's own path. Will E.E.'s journey inspire you to find your own voice?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Exquisite

By Suzanne Slade, Cozbi A. Cabrera (Illustrator)

Discover the poetic journey of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black Pulitzer Prize winner.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2021)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2021)

48 pages· 1,616 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,078 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Follow Gwendolyn Brooks from her early years to becoming the first Black Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. Her words capture love, loneliness, and poverty, inspiring young readers to find beauty in their own stories. Amidst the challenges of race and the Great Depression, Brooks's lyrical voice shines, encouraging dreams and creativity. Will her journey inspire a new generation of poets?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Out of Wonder

By Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, Marjory Wentworth, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

Discover poems that celebrate the magic and wonder of legendary poets.

Coretta Scott King Award (2018)

56 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,908 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into a vibrant collection where original poems pay tribute to twenty iconic poets who inspire awe and creativity. With stunning mixed-media art, this book invites readers to explore the beauty of poetry and perhaps find their own voice. Will you be moved to pick up a pen and join the poetic journey?

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2010

Emma's Poem

By Linda Glaser, Claire A. Nivola (Illustrator)

Discover how a poet's words transformed the Statue of Liberty's meaning.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (2011)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2011)

32 pages· 1,316 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 508 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: In 1883, Emma Lazarus penned a sonnet that redefined the Statue of Liberty as a beacon for immigrants. Her words, "Give me your tired, your poor," gave voice to the voiceless and reshaped a national symbol. This illustrated biography captures the power of poetry to change perceptions and celebrates the welcoming spirit of a nation.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

On Wings of Words

By Jennifer Berne, Becca Stadtlander (Illustrator)

Discover the world through Emily Dickinson's eyes and words.

46 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 477 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a quaint New England town, young Emily Dickinson finds magic in the smallest things—a petal, a bird, a word. Her imagination transforms these into vast worlds, captured in her poetry. This lyrical biography reveals Emily's courage and the profound impact of her words, inviting readers to explore the power of seeing beauty in the ordinary. As her verses take flight, they offer a timeless message of hope and connection. Dive into Emily's journey and discover how her unique vision continues to inspire and transform lives, one poem at a time.

The Bookroo Book Club