A book like no other, I Am Maria weaves Shriver’s hard-earned wisdom with her own deeply personal poetry. I Am Maria reminds readers there is strength and love on the other side of all of our hardest days.I Am Maria is a powerful collection of Maria Shriver’s own poems that grapple with identity, grief, love, loss, longing, heartbreak and healing.Her deeply personal poems address life’s transitions, challenges, successes and failures. Vulnerable and deeply moving, Shriver’s words are a collection of her life experiences woven into poetry to inspire everyone on their own journey. It is also an invitation for readers to write their own personal poetry, reclaiming the art as accessible to everyone and a tool to look within.I Am Maria is a roadmap for anyone trying to shed the labels, layers, and armor that holds us back from creating a wildly authentic and meaningful life.“I never imagined writing poetry would help me embarkOn a journey deep into myselfI never imagined that everything I sought or thought I neededWas within me all along”—from I Am Maria Read more

A book like no other, I Am Maria weaves Shriver’s hard-earned wisdom with her own deeply personal poetry. I Am Maria reminds listeners there is strength and love on the other side of all of our hardest days.I Am Maria is a powerful collection of Maria Shriver’s own poems that grapple with identity, grief, love, loss, longing, heartbreak and healing.Her deeply personal poems address life’s transitions, challenges, successes and failures. Vulnerable and deeply moving, Shriver’s words are a collection of her life experiences woven into poetry to inspire everyone on their own journey. It is also an invitation for listeners to write their own personal poetry, reclaiming the art as accessible to everyone and a tool to look within.I Am Maria is a roadmap for anyone trying to shed the labels, layers, and armor that holds us back from creating a wildly authentic and meaningful life.“I never imagined writing poetry would help me embarkOn a journey deep into myselfI never imagined that everything I sought or thought I neededWas within me all along”—from I Am Maria Read more

Inside Out and Back Again is a #1 New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award!Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America.This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it "enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny."An author's note explains how and why Thanhhà Lại translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This paperback edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions. Read more

This paperback notebook is 6" x 9" and has 110 college ruled, blank lined pages (55 sheets) which provides plenty of room for writing ideas, thoughts, or to do lists. This Composition Notebook is perfect for note taking, journaling, writing poetry, daily planner, lists, making to do lists, ideas, travel journal, organizer, diary, notepad, gratitude or your next book.Great as a funny gift for birthdays or holidays (e.g. Christmas) for male or female accountant coworkers or family members.View our other accountant and bookkeeping themed books by clicking the "Accountant Life Publishing" title above. Read more

Inside Out and Back Again is a #1 New York Times bestseller, a Newbery Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award!Inspired by the author's childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama—this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and immigration.Hà has only ever known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Hà and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope—toward America. This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it "enlightening, poignant, and unexpectedly funny." An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her personal experiences into Hà's story. This updated digital edition also includes an interview with the author, an activity you can do with your family, tips on writing poetry, and discussion questions. Read more

A timeless collection of hundreds of poems that resonate to the American spirit.  Leaves of Grass is a timeless collection of poems and essays penned by influential nineteenth-century writer Walt Whitman. This profound compilation explores topics such as nature, mysticism, mortality, transcendentalism, and democracy. Inspired by personal experiences and observations, Whitman spent almost four decades piecing together the complete work, sharing societal ideals and epiphanies about life that still resonate with readers today. This sturdy leather-bound edition of the complete Leaves of Grass also includes Whitman’s preface to the original 1855 edition, in which he expounds on his personal philosophy of writing poetry. Read more

An intimate, autobiographical poetry collection from legendary artist and activist, Joan Baez. Joan Baez shares poems for or about her contemporaries (such as Bob Dylan, Judy Collins, and Jimi Hendrix), reflections from her childhood, personal thoughts, and cherished memories of her family, including pieces about her younger sister, singer-songwriter Mimi Fariña. Speaking to the people, places, and moments that have had the greatest impact on her art, this collection is an inspiring personal diary in the form of poetry. While Baez has been writing poetry for decades, she’s never shared it publicly. Poems about her life, her family, about her passions for nature and art, have piled up in notebooks and on scraps of paper. Now, for the first time ever, her life is shared revealing pivotal life experiences that shaped an icon, offering a never-before-seen look into the reminiscences and musings of a great artist. Like a late-night chat with someone you love, this collection connects fans to the real heart of who Joan Baez is as a person, as a daughter and sister, and as an artist who has inspired millions. Read more

Celebrated poet and critic Michael Rosen takes readers on a whirlwind tour exploring what poems are, what they can do, and the joys of reading and writing them.For thousands of years, people have been writing poetry. But what is poetry? Award-winning wordsmith Michael Rosen has spent decades thinking about that question, and in this helpful guide he shares his insights with humor, knowledge, and appreciation — appreciation for poetry and appreciation for twenty-first-century children embarking on their own poetic journeys. Young readers are invited to join him on a welcoming exploration of the British poetic canon, replete with personal insights into what the renowned poet thinks about as he writes and advice on writing their own poetry. When he’s finished, readers will be able to say with confidence: this is poetry. Included in this accessible handbook are writing tips, analyses of classic poems, and an appendix of poets and useful websites. Read more

The delightful and often funny poetry of Zen’s quintessential free spirit, Master Ryokan—in a fresh translation by a beloved American Zen figureRyokan Taigu (1758-1831) was a monk in the Soto lineage of Japanese Zen who spent a good part of his life as a hermit, writing poetry, playing with children, and creating simple and exquisitely beautiful calligraphies—sometimes using twigs as his instrument when he couldn't afford a brush. He was never head of a monastery or temple and as an old man, he fell in love with a young Zen nun who also became his student. His affection for her colors the mature poems of his late period.This loving tribute to the great legendary nonconformist includes more than 140 of his poems, 13 examples of his art, and a selection of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes about his highly idiosyncratic teaching behavior. Read more

At My Darkest is a collection of poems written at and about the lowest points of my life. It explores the topics of depression, anxiety, suicide, death, and trauma. Writing poetry about things that I was going through has always helped me get out of my head since I was young. I feel it is time for me to share these experiences with others in hopes that someone realizes they aren't alone in their mental health journey. Read more

In Time Has Come, Graham invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment.Through introspective and evocative poetry, Graham explores the challenges and uncertainties that come with stepping into the unknown and following one’s heart. Each poem in the collection is beautifully complemented by original watercolor artwork by Jessy Watson. Inspired by Wardle’s profound connection to nature and his experiences walking through the forest, Watson’s paintings capture the essence of the journey through life. They depict the chaos and confusion that one may encounter along the way, yet ultimately convey a sense of clarity and perspective that is found upon reaching the summit. Together, the poems and paintings create a harmonious and heartfelt exploration of the human experience. Time Has Come is more than a book of poetry; it is a guide for those seeking to reclaim their lives and chart a path toward self-realization. It is a reminder that, no matter the obstacles, each of us has the capacity to transform our own existence.Graham Wardle is a Canadian actor and poet best known for his role as Ty Borden in the hit TV series, Heartland. He was born in Mission, British Columbia. In addition to writing poetry, he hosts the Time Has Come podcast, where he interviews inspiring individuals from various walks of life. Graham is known for his warm and approachable demeanor, and his passion for storytelling and inspiring others.Listen to the podcast a timehascome.com Read more

At once kind and hilarious, this compilation of the Nobel Prize-winning poet’s advice to writers is illustrated with her own marvelous collagesIn this witty “how-to” guide, Wislawa Szymborska has nothing but sympathy for the labors of would-be writers generally: “I myself started out with rotten poetry and stories,” she confesses in this collection of pieces culled from the advice she gave—anonymously—for many years in the well-known Polish journal Literary Life.      She returns time and again to the mundane business of writing poetry properly, that is to say, painstakingly and sparingly. “I sigh to be a poet,” Miss A. P. from Bialogard exclaims. “I groan to be an editor,” Szymborska responds.      Szymborska stubbornly insists on poetry’s “prosaic side”: “Let’s take the wings off and try writing on foot, shall we?” This delightful compilation, translated by the peerless Clare Cavanagh, will delight readers and writers alike.       Perhaps you could learn to love in prose. Read more

Sometimes the silent whispers in our heads get so loud we start to believe the noise is real. I have been there, and the whispers almost convinced me that I should not be alive. I thought my absence would be better than a present with my loved ones. In that darkness, I took to writing poetry and little positive notes to find light and hope. I had to convince my mind that it gets better. Nothing remains forever, not even the bad days and the sad moments.If you find yourself today in the same dark spot, may these poems give you a reason each day to live, not leave. May you find hope in the knowledge that your presence is valuable, and that you are loved. Find hope and keep it alive because where hope lives, nothing ever dies. Read more

The delightful and often funny poetry of Zen’s quintessential free spirit, Master Ryokan—in a fresh translation by a beloved American Zen figure Ryokan Taigu (1758-1831) was a monk in the Soto lineage of Japanese Zen who spent a good part of his life as a hermit, writing poetry, playing with children, and creating simple and exquisitely beautiful calligraphies—sometimes using twigs as his instrument when he couldn't afford a brush. He was never head of a monastery or temple and as an old man, he fell in love with a young Zen nun who also became his student. His affection for her colors the mature poems of his late period.This loving tribute to the great legendary nonconformist includes more than 140 of his poems, 13 examples of his art, and a selection of laugh-out-loud funny anecdotes about his highly idiosyncratic teaching behavior. Read more

Fully revamped and expanded, this second editionoffers a complete introduction to the art and craft of writing poetry. Mapping out 38 foundational elements of poetry including image, line, point of view, metaphor, movement, and music, authors Amorak Huey and W. Todd Kaneko use these elements as starting points for discussion questions and writing prompts. The book guides readers through a range of poetic modes and styles such as:o Elegies and Odeso Found poemso Aubades and Nocturneso Documentary and Protest poemso Ars Poeticao Lyric and Narrative poemso Personas and PortraitsWith a focus on contemporary poems, the anthology features a truly diverse and global line-up of poets and poems to illustrate the elements and craft discussed in the book. Featuring all-new chapters on traditional poetic forms, prosody, writing poems that engage the current moment, and the value and ethics of imitation, this is the ultimate companion to studying and practicing the craft of poetry. Read more

Pack your sleeping bag, grab your calculator, and celebrate geekdom with this humorous and empowering middle grade novel by the acclaimed author of Standing for Socks. Nerd Camp, here we come!Ten-year-old Gabe has just been accepted to the Summer Center for Gifted Enrichment. That means he’ll be spending six weeks at sleepaway camp, writing poetry and perfecting logic proofs. S.C.G.E. has been a summer home to some legendary middle-school smarty-pants (and future Jeopardy! contestants), but it has a reputation for being, well, a Nerd Camp. S.C.G.E = Smart Camp for Geeks and Eggheads.     But is Gabe really a geek? He’s never thought about it much—but that was before he met Zack, his hip, LA-cool, soon-to-be stepbrother. Gabe worries that Zack will see him only as a nerd, until a wild summer at camp—complete with a midnight canoe ride to “Dead Man’s Island”—helps Gabe realize that he and Zack have the foundations for a real friendship.     This clever, fun read from Elissa Brent Weissman is full of great minor characters (like a bunkmate who solves math problems in his sleep) and silly subplots (like the geekiest lice outbreak ever). Adjust your head-gear, pack your camp bag, and get ready to geek out! Read more

Comedian and actor Stephen Fry's witty and practical guide, now in paperback, gives the aspiring poet or student the tools and confidence to write and understand poetry. Stephen Fry believes that if one can speak and read English, one can write poetry. In The Ode Less Travelled, he invites readers to discover the delights of writing poetry for pleasure and provides the tools and confidence to get started. Through enjoyable exercises, witty insights, and simple step-by-step advice, Fry introduces the concepts of Metre, Rhyme, Form, Diction, and Poetics. Most of us have never been taught to read or write poetry, and so it can seem mysterious and intimidating. But Fry, a wonderfully competent, engaging teacher and a writer of poetry himself, sets out to correct this problem by explaining the various elements of poetry in simple terms, without condescension. Fry's method works, and his enthusiasm is contagious as he explores different forms of poetry: the haiku, the ballad, the villanelle, and the sonnet, among many others. Along the way, he introduces us to poets we've heard of but never read. The Ode Less Travelled is not just the survey course you never took in college, it's a lively celebration of poetry that makes even the most reluctant reader want to pick up a pencil and give it a try. Read more

The Greek word for “poet” is poiētēs, meaning “to make.” Creating poetry involves describing the human condition or emotions through the combination of ordinary words using a rhyme scheme, meter or rhythm, and word sounds. Ms. Click’s poetry addresses themes of faith, friendship, grief, and love from her unique lived experience.Dr. Michael J. Simon, President of Angelina CollegeAuthor Amanda “Mandy” Gail Click has been gifted with a stream of consciousness that allowed her to express her feelings through writing poetry.  She has found poetry to be cathartic, and in the process, has become much more outgoing, confident and empowered. A lovely book of poems written from the heart with beautiful, full color illustrations for each and every page – uniquely created by artists from all around the world including Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Philippines, Serbia and the United States.  The poems are a direct, honest reflection of the author’s impressions of the world around herMandy created this book with her friends in mind – if they are not able to read the words, then she knows they will enjoy looking at the pictures.  Her poems are inspirational and include the subject matters of camp, church, colors, family, friends, grief, holidays, love, nature, and weather.Mandy is donating the net proceeds from the sale of this book to benefit the East Texas Fun Bunch Scholarship Fund at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas.  The fund was established to support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and related conditions which includes providing instruction by teachers from Angelina College in areas such as music, singing, fine arts, reading, American Sign Language, culinary arts, and technology. The fund also benefits adults who live in retirement/nursing home facilities.  We can all find inspiration from Mandy. She started her journey in shyness and emerged into a NEW life filled with friends and new experiences– attending “live” fine arts performances, dinners and shows, performing in front of people at a concert with boom whackers, hand bells, and xylophones, and becoming a best-selling author on Amazon

"On the subject of writing poetry, Oliver is the most enlightened and enlightening author I have read." -Susan Salter Reynolds, Los Angeles TimesFrom the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award comes Winter Hours, Mary Oliver's most personal book yet. And never more so than in this extraordinary and engaging gathering of nine essays, accompanied by a brief selection of new prose poems and poems. With the grace and precision that have won her legions of admirers, Oliver talks here of turtle eggs and housebuilding, of her surprise at an unexpected whistling she hears, of the "thousand unbreakable links between each of us and everything else." She talks of her own poems and of some of her favorite poets: Poe, writing of "our inescapable destiny," Frost and his ability to convey at once that "everything is all right, and everything is not all right," the "unmistakably joyful" Hopkins, and Whitman, seeking through his poetry "the replication of a miracle." And Oliver offers us a glimpse as well of her "private and natural self—something that must in the future be taken into consideration by any who would claim to know me." Read more

Establish a sustainable writing habit and write more poems with this gentle yet effective guide.What if writing poetry didn't have to be hard?What if poetry could be fun again?What if poetry could be light? What if writing words could make us light?What if poetry could be: silly / sacred / informative / cathartic / playful / approachable / healing / happy / awesome / an adventure / nurturing / ?It can. Starting today. In the midst of your busy life.Start Writing Poetry Today is perfect for both the nervous newcomer and tentative returner to this wild land of poetry, providing you with the gentle guidance, exercises, prompts, and inspiration that you’ll need to [re]gain your poem-creating confidence. And at the same time, you'll write your way into deep self-understanding, vibrancy, and soul-sparking aliveness.These pages are stuffed with inspiration and instruction, inviting you to explore new aspects of poetry that you may not have considered before. You'll find yourself filled with both the courage to share your words with the world and the skill with which to write them.As if that wasn’t enough, each week sends you up off the couch and out on a creative adventure in order to keep your inspiration well stocked. The many provided practical exercises will keep you learning and writing and growing far beyond the last page of this book.Formerly an e-course, Start Writing Poetry Today will help you conquer your writing fears and guide you into creating more poetry more regularly. Be prepared to put this book down to write, to think, to read, to explore, to experiment, to go outside. Writing poetry is an adventure. Let the adventure begin -- today. Read more