National Poetry Day is always a highlight in our calendar and we can’t wait for this year’s celebration on 7 October. Poetry is for everyone – whether you regularly read it or not, we know that there’s a poem out there for everyone. It’s also perfect for reading groups! Have you ever thought of starting each reading group meeting with sharing a poem?
Every year National Poetry Day share lists of recommended reads, with a list of books specifically chosen for reading groups. We’re thrilled to share the 2021 list with you.
- The Historians by Eavan Boland
- The Craft of Poetry: A Primer in Verse by Lucy Newlyn
- 100 Poets: A Little Anthology by John Carey
- Friend: Poems by Young People by Kate Clanchy
- 100 Poems to Save the Earth edited by Zoe Brigley and Kristian Evans
- The Sorry Tale of the Mignonette by Angela Gardner
- All the Names Given by Raymond Antrobus
- Poor by Caleb Femi
- Crossing Lines: An Anthology of Immigrant Poetry by Aaron Kent
- Forward Book of Poetry 2022
If you choose to read any of the suggested reads, you can also use the discussion notes provided by National Poetry Day to help spark your discussion. There’s not right or wrong way to approach poetry, so just enjoy!
Head to National Poetry Day’s website to see even more recommended reads, with further lists for adults, children and young adults.
