book cover

Spin! 10 Exciting New Voices in Poetry

By Joseph Coelho and various, illustrated by Ruthine Burton

Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 8+

Published by Otter-Barry Books, 2024

  • Poetry and rhyme

About this book

In this anthology, Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate 2022-24, introduces 10 new poetic voices to the world of children's poetry.

These poets have backgrounds that are traditionally under-represented in children's publishing – but this won't be the last we see of them as they are very talented. With 53 poems in total, including three new poems from Joseph Coelho himself, this slim volume packs a punch.

Given that the topics covered range from bullying, favourite foods and friendship issues to re-tellings of Anansi stories, celebrations of larger-than-life family members, and musings on what it means to feel different, there is something for every reader here.

Meant to be read aloud and shared, these poems come in various poetic forms, and in a variety of voices, but they will speak to all children.

Created in association with poetry performance charity Apples and Snakes, and supported by Arts Council England, this anthology is an excellent introduction to poetry and how it can make you feel.

Readers will feel seen, included and like their experiences matter after reading or listening to these poems. For upper primary and lower secondary pupils.

About the author

Joseph Coelho is an award-winning children's author, performance poet and playwright based in London. He is also the Waterstones Children's Laureate for 2022-2024. His debut poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, was the 2015 winner of the CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award. His second book, Overheard in a Tower Block, was shortlisted for the 2018 CLPE CLiPPA Poetry Award and is longlisted for the 2019 UKLA Book Awards. Joseph features in the BBC Teach 'Understanding Poetry' online series.

His work has poetry and performance at its heart, drawing on over 16 years' experience running dynamic creative literacy sessions in schools. He aims to inspire young people through stories and characters they can recognise.

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