I write books that share a common theme of writing to touch the heart.
Two New Poetry Anthologies for You
Two books are coming soon, and I wanted you to be the first to hear.
Words I Might Have Eaten (Astra/Calkins Creek, Fall 2026) – A poetry anthology that celebrates the power of words—from synonyms and homophones to words that tug at our heart. Selected by Georgia Heard and illustrated by Paige Keiser.
Allow Me To Introduce Myself (Candlewick Press, 2027) – A bold and heartfelt poetry anthology for middle-grade readers all about names—where they come from, what they mean, and why they matter. Selected by Georgia Heard and illustrated by Zariah Shinn.
Details coming soon!
Featured Book for Educators
Awakening the Heart: A bestselling resource for teaching poetry, now fully updated with new lessons, exercises and writing prompts that engage today’s kids.
Children’s Books
Welcome to the Wonder House
A place to explore the cornerstone of every great thinker – a sense of wonder. Winner of the 2024 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award; 2023 Best Poetry Book, School Library Journal; Kirkus and SLJ Starred Reviews.
The Arrow Finds Its Mark
A Book of Found Poems. CCBC Choice Award; Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year, 2013; Junior Library Guild Selection Book
Creatures of the Earth, Sea, and Sky
Animal poems
My Thoughts are Clouds
Poems for mindfulness. Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2022; NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts, 2021
Falling Down the Page
A Book of List Poems. NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts, 2010
Songs of Myself
An Anthology of Poems and Art
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Indiebound
Boom! Bellow! Bleat!
Animal poems for two or more voices. Featured in NY Times Book Review April, 2019
This Place I Know
Poems of Comfort. Top Fifty Children’s Books, Child Magazine Award, 2002
Teaching Books
Heart Maps
Helping Students Create and Craft Authentic Writing
For the Good of the Earth and Sun
Teaching Poetry
The Revision Toolbox
Teaching Techniques That Work (new edition!)
Awakening the Heart
Brand New Second Edition! Exploring Poetry in Elementary and Middle School
Poetry Lessons
Poetry Lessons to Meet the Common Core State Standards
Finding the Heart of Nonfiction
Teaching 7 Essential Craft Tools with Mentor Texts
A Place for Wonder
Reading and Writing Nonfiction in the Primary Grades
Climb Inside a Poem
Reading and Writing Poetry Across the Year
Writing Toward Home
Tales and Lessons to Find Your Way
Heart Maps Books
Heart Maps
Helping Students Create and Craft Authentic Writing.
Open Your Heart
A Calming and Meditative Coloring Book
Poetry Books
A Field Guide to the Heart
Poems of Love, Comfort and Hope (Poems & Journal) co-authored with Rebecca Kai Dotlich
The Woman in this Poem
Women’s voices in poetry