Digital Learning Commons: Poetry: Inspiration

Books

Just Write by Walter Dean Myers
Walter Dean Myers, a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and New York Times bestselling and award-winning author, walks you through the writing process.
Poetry from A to Z by Paul B. Janeczko
Poets speak about their work and give examples, but the core of this book is the author's encouraging tips to youngsters who might give poetry writing a try.
How to Write Poetry by Paul B. Janeczko
Provides practical advice with checklists on the art of writing poetry.
The Place My Words Are Looking For by Paul B. Janeczko
In this collection of poetry and commentary, 39 of our leading poets share their poems as well as their thoughts, unravelling their inspirations, reflections, methods, and memories.
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
A young student, who comes to love poetry through a personal understanding of what different famous poems mean to him, surprises himself by writing his own inspired poem.

One Word
Simple. You’ll see one word at the top of the screen. You have sixty seconds to write about it. Don’t think. Just write.
RhymeZone
Perhaps the best online rhyming dictionary available. Also includes a thesaurus, a dictionary, and a dictionary of etymology.
Magnetic Poetry Play Online
Create poems and share -- choose from Original Edition, Mustache Poet, Nature Poet, the Poet Kit, or Geek.
How to Create a Poem
Five tips from Power Poetry.
Poetry Foundation: Teens
The Poetry Foundation's Learn section of their website has resources especially for teens, including poetry samplers, podcasts, and Poet 101s.