Books About Poets

Langston's Train Ride by Robert Burleigh Langston Hughes is one of America's greatest poets.  This picture book by Robert Burleigh tells the story of how Mr. Hughes wrote one of his most famous poems "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" and began to see himself as a poet.  The beautiful bold illustrations add to this wonderful picture book for older readers.

Teachers, this book is a wonderful addition for a an integrated social studies literature unit.  Through the story , African-American history, the Harlem Renaissance, and the magnificent poetry of Langston Hughes come together in a short book perfect for students in upper elementary and middle school grades.

Emily by Michael Bedard Emily Dickinson was known as a recluse in Amherst, Massachusetts. Her poetry was not discovered until after her death.  This book tells the fictionalized

story of a young girl's friendship with the poet.  Illustrated by Caldecott award winning artist, Barbara Cooney, this is a wonderful picture book to share when studying the poetry of Emily Dickinson.