River of Words: Young Poets and Artists on the Nature of Things

by Robert Hass (Introduction), Pamela Michael (Editor)

The California-based River of Words (ROW) has gained fame as an important nonprofit that trains teachers, park naturalists, grassroots groups, and others to incorporate observation-based nature exploration and the arts into young people’s lives. One of the group’s most important annual projects is to take the youth pulse from the United States and 22 other countries, by asking for writing on water and nature. This anthology collects the best of that writing, with accompanying artwork. Divided into nine geographical areas (California, Pacific Northwest, Inland West, Midwest, Southwest, Northwest, Mid Atlantic, South, and International), the book presents writers from ages six to 18. In poems such as “I Love My Dog,” “Seasons in Our Watershed,” “History of a Cornfield,” and “Swamp Shack,” River of Words exhibits diverse voices, as well as some bilingual poems. A remarkable confluence of K-12 curriculum, children’s literature, environmentalism, and poetry, this thoughtful book, in the words of Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Gary Snyder, gives us “pleasure and hope.”

Genres: Poetry, Childrens

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Robert Hass was born in San Francisco and lives in Berkeley, California, where he teaches at the University of California. He served as Poet Laureate of the United States from 1995 to 1997. A MacArthur Fellow and a two-time winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award, he has published poems, literary essays, and translations. He is married to the poet Brenda Hillman.

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The River of Words is a book of great collections of poems by children of the age of 4-18 years. It is so inspiring to see many, at the age of me, who create such beautiful poems in the form of art. One poem that I favored the most was 'The Rythm of Life' by Alicia D. Purdin. I recommend this book to ages of 4-18 who are in need of ideas for their original poem or who just enjoy the art of poems.

[Tylerclem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book. This book contains many types of the poem written by young age people. I saw a few poems written by people younger than me and the poem was great. Some of them are short and some of them are long. I like both long and short poem each one has each good part. But I think the short poem is hard to write because you have to put all that you want to say in a few sentences. I like reading poems so I really recommend this book to people also like poems both reading and writing it.

[Vanesa Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is more inspiring for students, than seeing and reading other people their age's poems published in a book? This collection of poetry is astounding! The authors of this poem range from ages 5-18 filled with their observations on life or anything they believe is important enough to write about. Some poems are written in Spanish and translated to English and vice-versa. It can reach out to the public with different languages. There are also drawings and paintings every 4-or-so pages that have stories within themselves. This would be a great collection to have while teaching a poetry unit or an art class for any grade. It is good to teach children about poetry classics, but some of the youngest mastermind poets could be anyone around and it is important to let children know that.

[Nieva21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think art is great for children which is why my favorite out of these two collections, is A river of Words: Young Poets and Artists. This whole collection was written and illustrated by children! I really found it incredible to see what how artistically expressive each child artist, 4 years old to 19 years old can be with different modes of art. To me everything is art. The way we see life is art. Now in this collection the kids teach us, how we overlook those nuances that even myself, who looks upon everything in my immediate environment as being art. These young artists are truly talented.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really quite good compilation of work from young poets, artists and creators. My 8-year-old son listens intently as I read some of the works out loud. He really appreciates that the creations are by children, some his own age and others younger. It seems to inspire him and I know he thinks about what he's heard based on questions and observations he makes. I, too, marvel at the talent of some of these kids.

[Lori]

This book is filled with the words and pictures of children, around the theme of water. Their insights are profound - even the simplest, sweetest poems resonate with an innate understanding of our interdependence of the natural world. River of Words makes an excellent gift for teachers and for nature lovers of all ages.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am loving this book. It is amazing what children can do. There was a poem by a nine year old that just blew me away, and the vibrant language used in every poem is just astounding. It makes me sad, though. I write poetry on occasion and I will never be as good as some of these kids!

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows a glimpse into how poetry, art can inspire children to express themselves and change the world at the same time. It markes an annual international competition of children's art and poetry which is focused on the environment. It takes its name from a William Carlos Williams poem.

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was SOOOO bored by page 5. Kids will not pick this up no matter how much we tell them it is great!

[JoAnn]

River of Words is not only a wonderful writing project but a crucial educational initiative to protect and revere watersheds.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poems and artwork by children. Good stuff. All about water.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

great collection of poetry written by children