William Wordsworth

Poetry for Young People

by William Wordsworth, Alan Liu (Editor), James Muir (Illustrator)

An illustrated collection of nineteen popular poems by William Wordsworth, who was the poet laureate of England in the mid- nineteenth century. Includes an introduction to the poet's life and work. Ages 11+

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

William Wordsworth (1770-1850) was a major English romantic poet who, with Samuel Taylor Coleridge, helped launch the Romantic Age in English literature with their 1798 joint publication, Lyrical Ballads.

Wordsworth's masterpiece is generally considered to be The Prelude, an autobiographical poem of his early years, which the poet revised and expanded a number of times. The work was posthumously titled and published, prior to which, it was generally known as the poem "to Coleridge". Wordsworth was England's Poet Laureate from 1843 until his death in 1850.

Reviews

[Megan Willome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry for Young People: William Wordsworth William Wordsworth

I am slowly making my way through the entire collection of Poetry for Young People books, and all of them are excellent. (Thank you, Pioneer Memorial Library, for investing in more!) Each one pairs poems with illustrations, accompanied by introductions anyone can understand.

I’ve never loved William Wordsworth. I even kinda made fun of him in “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” in my book "The Joy of Poetry." I wrote, “Do you think Wordsworth literally danced? Maybe he got off his couch, grabbed a golden flower from a vase and pranced around the room—you never can tell with poets. Why is he in love with daffodils? Is it a metaphor? Did he miss his calling to be a florist?"

But when I finally learned that poem by heart, I found myself loving his exuberance. This summer I’ve been tapping into my inner Wordworth as I prepare for another poem-painting collaboration with Nan Henke. It’s called Tiny Wildflowers, and we're celebrating floralsoverlooked and little loved.

While writing the poems to accompany Nan’s paintings in the show, I read "Poetry for Young People: William Wordsworth," edited by Dr. Alan Liu, illustrated by James Muir. I found myself loving his romantisism, and I put that spirit into my poems, each one in the voice of botanist and explorer Thomas Drummond.

Yes, William, there is a spirit in the woods.
And tiny wildflowers across the pasture and in the ditch and beside the gravel road.
Move among them with your gentleness.
We are listening.

–Megan Willome

[Cheryl Licata · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biography of William Wordsworth at the beginning of this book describes a life that is often times tragic and lonely. His poems reflect these sad times, So I wonder about the title of this book Poetry for Young People. I would prefer "Adult reflections on growing up" to be the title of this poetry collection. My favorite lines: I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A host, of golden daffodils.
His poems about nature are my personal favorites.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the Poetry for Young People books. The art and the selection of poems in addition to the biographies and explanations of the poems' settings or authors' thoughts when writing the poems adds much to the understanding and enjoyment of the reading. This particular book is no exception. I am not a poetry lover as I often have difficulty figuring out what the author is even talking about. These books have provided a gateway into an understanding of what poetry may have to offer.

[Jean Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every term we study a new poet; Poetry for Young people is a great series to have on hand if you want to (and you should) easily fill your homeschools days with poetry.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic book of poetry, which our curriculum suggested for Dialectic studies. My kids were aa bit old for this book.

[Mattie · Rating 3 out of 5]

she was a phantom of delight and she dwelt among the untrodden ways are my favs of his work

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, concise info. about the inspiration for some of Wordsworth's poems and about his life.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

maybe i just feel a kinship with nature just like woodsworth but I truly enjoy his poetry.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great series that breaks down the vocabulary and meaning of poetry for young readers

[Sean Wojtczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Wordsworth, I have to say that this was a delightful way of re-experiencing some of his most beloved poems. It was a sort of strange/fun experience reading this considering Wordsworth's views on children and their role in poetry. I'd love to share this book with some of my young friends.