Flashback to the ALA Poetry Blast

Before the summer gets away from me, I wanted to post tiny video clips of the poets reading at the Poetry Blast at the ALA convention in San Francisco in June hosted by Marilyn Singer and Barbara Genco. It's always fun to hear poets read their own work aloud-- I never get tired of that. And if you couldn't join us, this is the next best thing-- if you'll forgive the mediocre skills and equipment used here. 

First up: Betsy Franco reading from her brand new book, A Spectacular Selection of Sea Critters (Millbrook Press). Here she reads her sea turtle poem.

 

Next, Nikki Grimes read from Poems in the Attic (Lee & Low Books). Here's one poem from the beginning of the book.

Then, Rebecca Kai Dotlich read selections from Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy Tale Voices with a Twist in collaboration with Jane Yolen (Wordsong/Boyds Mills Press). Here's the "troll" poem.

Marilyn Nelson was next, reading a selection from her memoir, How I Discovered Poetry (Dial).

Alma Flor Ada read an excerpt from Yes! We Are Latinos! co-authored with F. Isabel Campoy (Charlesbridge).

Then, F. Isabel Campoy read several poems from Poesia eres tu (Poetry is You) (Alfaguara). Here's just one.

Marilyn Singer wrapped it all up by reading a few selections from her book, A Strange Place to Call Home (Chronicle Books). Here's the final poem.

What a fun way to spend an hour, right? 

If you get to attend the ALA (American Library Association) conference NEXT summer (in Orlando), be sure to put the Poetry Blast on your schedule. It's usually held on Sunday afternoon and it's a wonderful gathering of poets and poetry lovers. See you there!