Poetry: Poets and Poems

My friend Lee Bennett Hopkins first came into my life when I read one of his earlier books about authors and illustrators.  I loved Books Are by People (Citation Press, 1969); and More Books Are by More People (Citation Press, 1974).  These were the inspiration for my own writing that now includes over 30 books about authors and illustrators and their stories -- and one that focuses on poetry and poets, The Poet Tree.  While the book's biographical details have changed since the book was published the general information about poetry and its use stays the same.  When I was coordinating the Cedar Rapids School District's author conference, Lee was our generalist that was invited to speak during the second year of the conference.  That was coincidently the same year that Leo and Diane Dillon were our picture book guests.  We all became "conference friends" - meeting up during the American Library Association events, or the International Literacy Association (formerly International Reading Association) conferences.  He was also good for a bit of gossip, a laugh, and always animated conversation, and a warm greeting.

Along the decades that passed Lee became the nation's poetry guru, mentoring young poets, establishing poetry awards, and always advocating for sharing poetry.  He became an icon in the world of poetry and a friend to hundreds of writers.

Some quotes Lee shared during his life time says a lot - a few of my favorites:

Lee's legacy lives on in his hundreds of anthologies and pieces of poetry he created -- and through the many poets he mentored.  In his honor, my goal for the coming school year is to encourage everyone who works with young learners to put poetry into their classroom every day.  This is a start ...

Lee Bennett Hopkins was the guru of poetry - and we share his efforts to make poetry in the classroom more than a unit. Surround children with poetry every day. Check out this help. http://bit.ly/poetsandpoems - a poetry packet to get you started.

Lee's favorites included the color purple and poetry -- he was often dubbed the Pied Piper of Poetry.  All a perfect tribute to a guy who loved a form of writing that often included alliteration.