From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up. This book sets poetry-writing squarely within the context of the writing process. Unlike Myra Cohn Livingston's Poem-Making (HarperCollins, 1991) and Gregory A. Denman's When You've Made It Your Own (Heinemann, 1988; o.p.), which are pitched toward those who will teach students about writing poetry, Ryan speaks directly to young people about the impulse to write and encourages a messy, free-flowing method of beginning a poem. She follows this introduction with insights into the discipline needed to shape these early drafts and then suggests conventions of poetry that can strengthen the ways poets communicate what they want to say. Whereas many handbooks give students the vocabulary of poetry, this is often taught first rather than in the context of one's attempts at self-expression. Ryan's clear, concise chapters on figures of speech, sound elements, rhythm and meter, and forms of poems are included later in the book and suggested as possible methods of refining the first drafts. This direct, well-written volume includes examples of poems from well-known poets that clearly show how each of these methods was used and emphasize the many revisions these poets have undertaken in order to shape their work. The author ends the book with techniques for final polishing and ways of sharing one's poems through readings and publication. A useful volume.?Barbara Chatton, College of Education, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 7^-12. "There is no one way to write a poem," author and published poet Ryan begins, as she then goes on to describe all the unique and personal aspects that characterize the writing of poetry. The next several chapters offer suggestions and activities designed to get the young writer from the idea and concept stage to that first line, rough draft, and revision, along with the imagery, form, rhythm, and meter matters that go with poetry. The final chapter discusses going public--entering contests, participating in public readings, and submitting for publication. The breezy tone of the text is engaging, personal, and motivating, while always respectful of the audience. Poetry fans and aspiring poets will appreciate the advice. Teachers may find the book useful for the writing ideas and examples of poems that illustrate various aspects of poetry. Black-and-white photos; bibliography. Anne O'Malley
