William Carlos Williams
Source: Academy of American Poets
Read this biography of poet William Carlos Williams. Click “read this poet’s poems” to explore his work.
Arts & Entertainment
George Washington’s letter to Jewish community becomes musical call to action
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer
An historic letter written by George Washington is the inspiration for a cantata recently performed at a Jewish congregation in Philadelphia. Read why the creators of the musical piece found the document to still be relevant and important.
Celebrate Our Mother Tongues
Source: Education Week
Educator and former U.S. Foreign Service officer Chris Livaccari discusses how Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” inspired him to examine his own family’s use of language.
One third of parents avoid reading children scary stories, study finds
Source: The Guardian
A recent survey found that many parents avoid exposing their children to frightening stories and characters. Read to find out why some people think parents should let their kids read scary books.
Dunsinane: An Interview with the Playwright
Source: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Read about a recent sequel to Macbeth, based not only on Shakespeare’s tragedy but also on the historical record.
Rick Riordan: Mythology for middle school
Source: AdLit
In this short video, the author of novels based in Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies discusses why mythology and middle school are a perfect fit.
10 Ways Shakespeare Changed the Way You Talk
Source: HISTORY
Learn about a few of the ways in which you quote Shakespeare every day, without even knowing it!
Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy
Source: Scientific American
One way we find common ground with others is by imagining ourselves in their circumstances. Reading novels and stories that put us into a character’s thoughts can develop our ability to make connections in the real world.
Beyond Grief and Grievance
Source: Poetry Foundation
Poet and essayist Philip Metres argues that in attempt to use poetry to heal after tragedy, poets should be careful not to fall into cliché or exploitation.
Edgar Allan Poe–Cosmologist?
Source: Scientific American
In this blog post, literary scholar René van Slooten argues that Poe was ahead of his time in scientific thought.