A Canon of Classic Poems for Young People

Here is a list of classic poems still popular with young people. The subject matter, language, rhythm, and imagery of these poems are still inviting for today’s readers and listeners. Most of these selections continue to be included in current anthologies of popular children’s poetry and many are available online as well.


The list begins:


Hilaire Belloc, “The Vulture”
William Blake, “The Tyger”
Gwendolyn Brooks, “We Real Cool”
Lewis Carroll, “Jabberwocky”
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”
Emily Dickinson, Poem: 288, “I'm Nobody! Who are You?”


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