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!
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.
Janet, thank you so much! I’m happy to be in this wonderful collection with you!
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!!
That thought makes me so happy. I have several engineers and STEM folks in my family, so the idea of my poem meeting the needs of NSTA teachers is delightful. Thanks, Janet!
I love the detail and the rhyme sequence in this, Mary, it’s spot on. Nice work and congrats! Another poem “out there!”
Thank you, Janice!
Your poem and the photo are perfect for inspiring STEM activities!
You poem captured the essence of the photo. It’s such a wonderful book. I think each one gets better.
I agree, Jone. Thank you. Wonderful to be in another collection with you!
Congrats on your poem Mary! I’m looking forward to reading this book that everyone is talking so much about. How exciting!
I’m getting a weird message when I try to leave a comment…says that it’s a duplicate comment. Must be that everyone that has commented has LOVED your poem. Congratulations on the new publication. That is awesome. Now, let’s see if this comment gets through?
It got through, Linda! Thank you!
Thank you, Sarah, and thanks for hosting Poetry Friday!
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!
Thanks so much, Linda!
Fantastic poem!
Delighted to be part of WHAT IS A FRIEND? with you!
Same here, Patricia! Thank you!