Spin! : 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry
For ages 8+
Not only are these poems relatable, but their language is the language of young people today!
Presented by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Ruthine Burton (Otter-Barry Books, 2024)
KIDS LOVE POETRY!!!!!!! Our current UK Children's Laureate, the absolutely AWESOME Joseph Coelho, has teamed up with poetry performance company Apples and Snake, publisher Otter-Barry Books, with support from the Arts Council England - and illustrator Ruthine Burton to LIFT UP and publish poetry from 10 debut poets: Anneliese Amoah, Antoinette Brooks, Sadatu Futa, Eileen Gbagbo, Shagufta K. Iqbal, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan, Rowan Kiffin-Murray, Jay Sandhu, Ioney Smallhorne, and Jasmin Thien. The book also features 3 NEW poems by Joseph Coelho.
This is a wholesome and well-rounded collection of poetry for older Primary-age children, dealing with themes of friendship (and the hazards of gossip), disability, poverty, cultural representation (food, names, heroes, history (including slavery), hair and more), emotions, relationships with grandparents, being yourself… I absolutely love it!!
Otter-Barry Books are a treasure trove of poetry anthologies that I can not only enjoy for myself, but use frequently in school assemblies, school book clubs and share with you all across my socials. There is always a poem for each child, a poem for any situation. You can feel that the selection process has been done with care and consideration for the reader whose hands will ultimately be holding the book at the end of the publishing process.
Not only are these poems relatable, but their language is the language of young people today, heck the first poem in the book is about Super Mario gaming!! I had the best time reading the poems in the garden to my own 9 year old sone while he was playing some basketball. His favourites were ‘Mario Kart Pantoum’ by Jay Sandhu, ‘Lessons from my Grandad’ by Eileen Gbagbo and ‘Butterflies’ by Rowan Kiffin-Murray. Me? I have 10s of favourites!!!! I love LOTS OF THEM!! This is an essential for your school poetry bookshelves. Fan of poetry, Joseph Coelho, or even if you are looking for a gift - enjoy!
Excerpts from the book
Praise
"Children’s Laureate Coelho has chosen poems from 10 début writers, all from under-represented backgrounds, for this new collection, which features poems about gender-fluid parents, friendship, music and more. Illustrated by a graduate of the inaugural Pathways Into Publishing programme, this anthology represents a new generation of gifted creators." - The Bookseller
"The poems cover a wide range of styles and themes, offering plenty of choice and much to think about and enjoy… there really is something for everyone in this collection with lovely illustrations by Ruthine Burton."- ReadingZone
"With 53 poems in total, including three new poems from Joseph Coelho himself, this slim volume packs a punch... This anthology is an excellent introduction to poetry and how it can make you feel. Readers will feel seen, included and that their experiences matter after reading or listening to these poems. For upper primary and lower secondary pupils." - BookTrust
"Selected for their qualities of originality, expression and style, they represent the best of a new generation of gifted young poets writing for children and young people. These are poems intended to be read aloud and shared." - Poetry Book Society
"This anthology of work from 10 debut poets, intended to be shared aloud, touches on everything from names to nerves to nonsense, with ice-rink visits and multi-family summer picnics “on a patch of grass, / Between the M32 and an ochre-coloured river”. A lovely collection for 9+, showcasing a formidable breadth of new talent." - Imogen Russell Williams ― The Guardian
Ad - review copy provided by the publisher
