Finding Poetry in Robotics? Yes!

WHAT IS A FRIEND? I am delighted to be a part of a new poetry book for middle graders that answers this question. It’s a collection of poems about all aspects of friendship– getting along, competing, trying out new ventures together. My poem, “Team,” is about a robotics team tinkering and figuring out together how to make things work. It’s dedicated to my friend Brian, who teaches Robotics in a high school on Cape Cod serving a very diverse and high-needs population. Here’s to all the robotics teachers, helping their students to “try, fail, adjust.”

WHAT IS A FRIEND? is edited by Janet Wong and Sylvia Vardell of Pomelo Books; it was chosen as a Children’s Book Council “Hot Off the Press” Selection for October! It would be a great gift for a teacher you know, or a young reader in your life. You can order it from Amazon or Bookshop.org. Thank you, Sylvia and Janet, for the dynamic and thoughtful poetry books for young readers that you put out into the world. 

On Fridays, I love taking part in Poetry Friday when I can, where writers share resources about children’s poetry. This week, Sarah Grace Tuttle hosts the Poetry Friday Roundup today on her blog. Check out the celebration of poetry there today!

18 comments

  1. Janet F. says:

    Hi Mary,
    I LOVE your poem. Perfect for that photograph. And inspiring to kids who want to work as a team with friendship and respect. My book copy arrives today and I can’t wait to read all the poems. I can see using this book as a perfect gift for many.

  2. Janet Wong says:

    Sylvia Vardell and I have met many teachers at NSTA conferences who are looking for EXACTLY this type of text: something (1) short and easy to share that (2) appeals to kids who love STEM and (3) sparks a discussion on SEL (teamwork, etc.). Mary, this poem is a WINNER!!

  3. Sarah Tuttle says:

    Congrats on your poem Mary! I’m looking forward to reading this book that everyone is talking so much about. How exciting!

  4. Linda Mitchell says:

    Love this poem! What a wonderful topic. I know that kids will resonate with it. Thank you for sharing and congrats on the new publication!

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