Valerie Bolling
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WRITING POETRY MONTH BY MONTH: INSPIRING THE POET IN ALL STUDENTS ​

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Many teachers know the magic of students writing poetry in the classroom, but these days it seems like there’s just not enough time in the curriculum to do so. But what if there were small ways to make space for students to write poetry each and every month of the school year? Writing Poetry Month by Month: Inspiring the Poet in All Students shares a way to do just that.

In each of the core chapters (one for each month of the school year), Writing Poetry Month by Month:
  • Introduces readers to a type of poem
  • Suggests a variety of mentor text read-alouds that immerse students in this poem type
  • Outlines ways to teach students to write this type of poem (whether you have time for just one day of poetry writing or many)
  • Offers organizers to help students get started
  • Provides scaffolds that support and extensions that challenge
  • Includes several student examples (across grade levels) of the poem type for teachers to share as mentor texts
  • Shares ways to celebrate students’ poetry
  • Writing poetry helps students develop important literacy skills and brings joy to the classroom. Writing Poetry Month by Month helps teachers make space for this vibrant classroom practice!
Publisher: Routledge/Stenhouse
Release Date: November 16, 2026

Type: Paperback 
ISBN:  978-1041227687
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​EDITORIAL REVIEWS

“In Writing Poetry Month by Month, Valerie Bolling ignites a belief in poetry as a source of healing, of creation, of humor, and of joy. And Valerie shows teachers how to get students started writing poetry. She provides practical ideas and exercises, favorite mentors from around the world, and advice for ways to fit poetry in, no matter your curriculum. Whether you love poetry or you’re a little afraid of it, Valerie has your back. Soon your students, including some of your most reluctant writers, will be asking: is it time for poetry?”
                                                                                     ― Mary Ehrenworth
                                                                           Author of Vocabulary Connections

“Valerie Bolling brings energy and clarity to poetry instruction, guiding you through engaging, varied poetry experiences all year long. With a predictable routine and a rich collection of examples, she puts everything you need right at your fingertips. This practical, joyful resource makes it easy to carve out meaningful time for students to write poetry every single month.”
                                                                                     ― Maria Walther
​    Literacy Consultant and Co-Author of A Year for the Books and Literacy Workshop

“Writing Poetry Month by Month hits the 'magic' sweet spot between high-level pedagogy and the authentic approach students actually connect with. Valerie Bolling understands the teaching heart, providing the complex layers educators need to foster deep, meaningful classroom conversations through poetry.”

                                                                                      ― Kara Breen
Literacy Specialist and Faculty at the Quinnipiac University School of Education

“Valerie Bolling’s Writing Poetry Month by Month is an essential addition to classrooms. With month-by-month prompts and a realistic approach, Bolling makes poetry achievable. Finally, a guide that makes teaching poetry feel joyful! This book is an invitation for students to become poets. An inspirational and instructional win that belongs on every teacher’s desk.”
                                                                                      ― Nichole Hawkins
                                         Youth & Family Services Coordinator, Hartford Public Library

“After reading Valerie Bolling's Writing Poetry Month by Month you'll be inspired to lead your students in a year-long poetic adventure!”
                                                                                      ― Josh Funk
                                                           Author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast

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