Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander (review)

Taking inspiration from twenty beloved poets—nineteenth-century poets Bashō, Rumi, and Emily Dickinson as well as twentieth-century and contemporary poets from Australia, Canada, Chile, Uganda, and the U.S.—Alexander, Colderley, and Wentworth offer their own tribute poems as models for young readers and writers. The poems are divided into three sections that highlight a particular aspect of imitation and response, with brief introductions that encourage readers to similarly experiment with adopting a favorite poet’s style or taking up the same themes or feelings. Accompanying each poem is a gorgeous collage in rich colors and textures that vibrate with the overall feeling of the poem while offering a sometimes literal, sometimes metaphoric, always atmospheric rendering of its subject matter. In fact, Holmes’ use of collage offers the perfect visual metaphor for the act of transforming borrowed forms and ideas into powerful original art. The source poems are not included, but biographical notes for the referenced poets are, followed by information about their era and location. A nourishing and delicious feast for eyes and ears, this belongs on every bookshelf; with this and Nikki Grimes’ One Last Word (BCCB 12/16, this is an excellent year for poetic legacies.