How to Write a Poem

In this inspiring and practical guide, award-winning poet Kwame Alexander offers a comprehensive introduction to writing poetry. With step-by-step instructions and exercises, Alexander covers topics such as observing the world around you, brainstorming ideas, crafting a poem's form and structure, and editing and revising your work. He also includes examples from his own poetry and from other famous poets to illustrate different techniques and elements of poetry. This book is designed to help both beginners and experienced writers tap into their creativity and find their unique voice in poetry. In the companion book, Alexander teams up with poet Deanna Nikaido and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet to celebrate the magic of discovering your very own poetry in the world around you. The book encourages readers to listen, feel, and discover the words that dance in the world around them—poems just waiting to be written down.