POETRY NEWS

June 10, 2015 Juan Felipe Herrera Named U.S. Poet Laureate   We’re thrilled to share today’s news that Academy of American Poets Chancellor Juan Felipe Herrera is the new Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress. Herrera is the first Mexican American poet to hold the position. “Juan Felipe is someone who believes that poetry can make a difference in people’s lives and communities,” said Executive Director Jennifer Benka in aWashington Post article announcing the news. “He will bring an enthusiasm and electricity to the role of poet laureate that is sure to spark new and wider interest in the art form among people of all ages.”

Introduce Juan Felipe to Your Students Before School Is Out   Bring the newly appointed U.S. Poet Laureate to your classroom. Show ourexclusive video of Juan Felipe Herrera reading his poem “Jackrabbits, Green Onions & Witches Stew” to your students.  Juan Felipe Herrera Reads a Poem   Watch the newly appointed U.S. Poet Laureate read his poem "Jackrabbits, Green Onions & Witches Stew." Read ten poems by Juan Felipe Herrera. Read letters Juan Felipe Herrera wrote back to students for the Dear Poet project. Take a look at our tribute collection to the new U.S. Poet Laureate.