American Poetry – Cannonball Read 17

Her voice

Wolf Lake, White Gown Blown Open: Poems by Diane Seuss

October 9, 2025 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

A friend of mine who is also a writer, poet, editor and constant learner recommended the poet Diane Seuss. Of course, my kid self said, SEUSS? Well that’s a hoot. And I am sure she is tired of people asking and/or joking about it, so I’ll just leave that there and talk about Wolf Lake, White Gown Blown Open: Poems (Juniper Prize for Poetry) instead. And I’m not really sure what to say about things. It has a unique modern voice with obvious classical influences, […]

Look forward with the words of Watson

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson and Ekua Holmes

March 6, 2025 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson was one of those books I had heard about, seen, but never really wanted to read. I mean, I like young adult literature, I like poetry and I like young adult poetry. However, I judged the book by the cover and theme. I assumed it would be some flowery “poor me” story. Instead, it is a truly strong and amazing short collection of poems that are relatable, informative and thoughtful. The language is lovely, but straight forward. […]

For the Children

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children by Charles Ghigna

July 31, 2024 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The Father Goose Treasury of Poetry: 101 Favorite Poems for Children by Charles Ghigna and illustrated by Sara Brezzi is an interesting, sweet, classical poetry that can be a “when you need to” read or a good bedtime read. Delightful illustrations are soft and solid, while also being bold and tame. It would be a lovely gift for a baby shower, first birthday or the adult in your life who likes more lyrical, classically presented poetry. There are sections for themed poetry. Each section can act […]

Do you know what a riddle-ku is?

Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons by Laura Purdie Salas

May 19, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Do you know what a Riddle-ku is? Learn all about them (and so much more) in this far out book of American haiku and riddles. Lion of the Sky: Haiku for All Seasons reads like a story and is all around A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! (add a few more !!! there). Laura Purdie Salas created poems that show the season it represents in a new way. We do not just see “leaves” for fall or “snow” for winter, but other creatures, ideas and feelings that we associate with […]

“The worst thing about being naked and then being hit by a car is that road rash is a problem for skin.”

September 27, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

I might be a little burned out with poetry or just have heard and read so much of Neil Hilborn, that I am not jumping up and down over The Future by him as I have with his other book or with other Button Poetry Poets. Yet, The Future is still amazing. He knows what he is talking about with depression, life and death. He has lived, and is living, his subject matter. He “gets it” and wants to share that with you. He is […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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