Seeing the Blue Between offers advice and inspiration for the young poet. It doesn't focus on mechanics
or style: the books focus is how to love poetry according to some of the most prominent poets for young people today.
Thirty two poets are included in the compilation and each of the poets writes a letter to the reader. According
to a Horn Book Magazine review, "Although each poet has a distinct voice (contributors include such diverse writers as Douglas
Florian, Kalli Dakos, Nikki Grimes, X. J. Kennedy, Naomi Shihab Nye, and Lillian Morrison), a familiar mantra quickly develops:
read, observe, love words, write, rewrite" (Carter 2002). For a young writer, inspiration and the perseverence to continue
writing may mean the most to them - mechanics can always come later.
The letters vary in content from personal experiences to personal motivations to personal anecdotes. Alice Schertle
likes to look for poems in unexpected places. . . like a pepperoni pizza. Joseph Bruchac writes that he stuck with poetry
because his poetry instructor told him to give up. Janet Wong writes that part of being a poet is "being willing to
put yourself out there, to open up." Jack Prelutsky gives instructions on writing a funny poem: 1) Exaggerate 2) Make
the ordinary special 3) Absurd conclusion. Prelutsky also puts emphasis on ideas - not making a poem rhyme.
Accompanying poems echo the advice given, show off a certain style or provide more inspiration for the reader. A
brief biographical sketch, including photographs, is also included at the end of the collection.
Seeing the Blue Between is an excellent compilation of inspiration and advice. It is honest, candid, and
offers young writers and readers some genuine inspiration.
Janeczko, Paul B. Seeing the Blue Between: Advice and Inspiration for Young Poets. Cambridge:
Candlewick Press, 2002. ISBN 0763608815.
