Celebrating Poetry Month

The Horn Book Interviews
Poet Nikki Grimes

In honor of Poetry Month, the Horn Book's Robin Smith recently interviewed acclaimed poet for young people Nikki Grimes. Here is an excerpt:

QUESTION: As you travel and engage with children, how do you inspire in them an interest in reading and writing poetry?

ANSWER: That interest is already in them. Poetry is a huge part of their childhood, from the ABC song to jump-rope rhymes to “Ring Around the Rosie.” Stoking that interest only requires sharing poems with them to which they can relate. One whiff of poetry about the stuff of their own childhood, their own lives, and they are off and running. Once they’ve gotten a good taste of poetry, just try and stop them from reading and writing it!

Read the entire interview here.

MORE About Nikki Grimes
Nikki Grimes does not consider herself a bona fide storyteller, but, as she told an audience at the Library of Congress, she is happy to own the title Poet. Born and raised in New York City, Nikki began composing verse at the age of six and has been writing ever since that time. Grimes is the recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her distinguished works include ALA Notable book What is Goodbye?, Coretta Scott King Award winner Bronx Masquerade, and Coretta Scott King Author Honor books Jazmin's Notebook, Talkin' About Bessie, Dark Sons, The Road to Paris, and Words with Wings. Grimes is a member of the board of directors of the NCBLA. She lives in Corona, California. Learn more about Grimes and her books on her website NikkiGrimes.com.