From John Updikes Player Piano to Walt Whitmans I Hear America Singing, from Lucille Cliftons the earth is a living thing to Gelett Burgesss The Purple Cow, these poems tumble from childrens tongues and dance with their tapping toes. Whether joyous, rhythmic, solemn, or simple silly fun, poetry learned by heart has a lasting claim on childrens affections and a permanent home in their hearts. The introduction includes tips for teaching kids how to memorize poems. Vecchione presents a selection of verses with rhythms, themes, and wordplay that especially appeal to middle graders.