Out of Wonder

Out of Wonder is a 2017 poetry collection by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjory Wentworth that pays tribute to twenty influential poets. The book features vibrant collage illustrations by Ekua Holmes, which earned the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Each poem in the collection adopts the style and spirit of a different celebrated poet, including Maya Angelou, e.e. cummings, Sandra Cisneros, and Robert Frost. The poems connect with themes and techniques that made these writers distinctive, while creating new works that stand on their own merit. The book incorporates diverse voices and perspectives from across poetry's landscape, making it accessible to young readers. Holmes' detailed collage illustrations expand each poem's meaning through layers of color and imagery. The collection speaks to poetry's power to inspire new creative works and forge connections across time, culture, and experience. Through its blend of homage and originality, Out of Wonder demonstrates how art grows from art.

Readers appreciate how the poems pay tribute to diverse poets while remaining accessible to children. Teachers and librarians report using the book to introduce poetry concepts and inspire students to write their own verses. The illustrations by Ekua Holmes receive frequent mentions for enhancing the reading experience. What readers liked: - Makes poetry approachable for young readers - Strong multicultural representation - Artwork complements the poems - Useful teaching resource for grades 3-8 What readers disliked: - Some found the poems too abstract for younger children - A few noted the complexity level varies significantly between poems - Limited appeal beyond classroom/educational use Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (597 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (164 ratings) Notable reader comment: "The combination of accessible poetry and stunning visuals makes this a perfect introduction to both reading and writing poetry for students who might otherwise be intimidated by the form." - School librarian on Goodreads

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🌟 The book's title "Out of Wonder" comes from poet Lucille Clifton's words about how poetry emerges from a sense of wonder about the world. 🌟 Illustrator Ekua Holmes won a Caldecott Honor for her artwork in "Out of Wonder," adding to her impressive collection of awards including the Coretta Scott King Award. 🌟 Author Kwame Alexander wrote his first poem at age 12 - a love poem for his mother - sparking a lifelong passion for poetry that would lead to over 35 published books. 🌟 The book is divided into three unique sections: "Got Style?" (imitating poets' styles), "In Your Shoes" (exploring poets' lives), and "Thank You" (celebrating poets' influences). 🌟 The collaborative work features poems honoring 20 diverse poets from around the world, spanning different centuries, cultures, and styles - from ancient Chinese poet Li Po to contemporary American poet Mary Oliver.