The Poetry of US by J. Patrick Lewis (Children's Poetry Book Review)

I received a free physical copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Poetry of US: More Than 200 Poems That Celebrate the People, Places, and Passions of the United States

Edited by J. Patrick Lewis
Published by National Geographic Society
on September 25, 2018
Genre: Children's, Poetry
Length: 192 pages

Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:

It's all about us! Join former U.S. Children's Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis on a lyrical journey through the United States to experience the wonders of America's people and places through 200+ inspiring poems and stunning photographs. 

Celebrate the gift of language and the vibrant culture of the United States with this collection of classic and never-before-published poetry. Poems are arranged by region, from coast to coast, and among them, you'll find works by Langston Hughes, Dorothy Parker, Robert Frost, Naomi Shihab Nye, Walt Whitman, and more. From the familiar to the surprising, subjects include people, places, landmarks, monuments, nature, and celebrations. Designed for sharing, but geared to younger readers, this beautifully photographed treasury is a must-have for the whole family.

My Thoughts:

This beautiful collection of poetry will keep you busy for hours and take you on a journey from New England, to the Southeast, to the Pacific Coast, and all the regions in between. There are even a few poems for the US Territories!

These poems capture the best and even some of the worst of the U.S. but all are beautiful and deserving of this lovely collection.

With topics and themes that range from state birds and animals to natural wonders, to memorials and monuments, to holiday celebrations and famous foods, this collection will keep you busy with all the fun, wholesome, and quirky elements that make up such a vast and diverse country. It spans throughout American history and includes poems about immigration, revolutions, wars, slavery, social injustices, and more. 

Notable poets and authors include Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, Maya Angelou, Jane Yolen, Joseph Bruchac, Gwendolyn Brooks, Charles Ghigna (who wrote a wonderful picture book that we reviewed recently).