Amazon.com (ISBN 0590100777, Hardcover)

Who says you can't teach someone how to write poetry? Paul B. Janeczko's thoughtful, clearly organized guide provides a terrific starting point for anyone who has ever dreamed of putting pen to paper to express a thought or feeling. Janeczko covers a range of techniques to help young poets create magic with words. In chapters titled "Getting Ready," "Starting to Write," "Writing Poems that Rhyme," "Writing Free Verse Poems," and "When Your Poem Is Finished," readers will pick up tips on keeping journals, paying attention to "sound effects," revising, understanding figurative language, and submitting poems to publishers. They'll also learn to avoid such pitfalls as assuming you'll remember a brilliant idea (write it down!), not getting hung up on neatness or spelling, and keeping in mind that lots of people try to get published--not everyone will be. Special features include writing exercises, tips from poets, and bibliographical information. There's also a checklist of good poetry books and a glossary. Janeczko's enthusiasm and skill is reflected in this enjoyable, straightforward guide. As he says, "It's all done with words. No high-tech special effects. No computer-enhanced remastered sound. No trick photography. Words. Those things we've used since we were babies. And when you sit down to write a poem, you have the power of the words at your fingertips." For more fun with poetry, try Janeczko's Favorite Poetry Lessons. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter