What are some good poems for Young Adults?

February 16, 2011 10:40 PM

I need to find some poems for Young Adults. They have to be by published authors, and they should fit into the theme of "heroes".
posted by LaCapitana to media & arts (10 answers total)

How young? Would Tennyson's "Ulysses" be too complicated? (Prob for grade school, not for high school).
posted by jb at 10:57 PM on February 16, 2011

Not My Best Side by U A Fanthorpe, based on this painting of St George defeating the dragon.
posted by the latin mouse at 11:55 PM on February 16, 2011 [2 favorites]

Well, the full project is that I have to put together an anthology of poems with some of my classmates. We have to choose some poems we think are appropriate for young adults and write a two page analysis on each one.

I think I'll keep that one in mind, but I definitely want to focus on more modern poetry because most Young Adults aren't exposed to it through school.
posted by LaCapitana at 11:59 PM on February 16, 2011

A modern poem on heroes ... OK, I nominate "For the Union Dead" by Robert Lowell (context), at least for any grade-level mature enough to read Huckleberry Finn.
posted by Monsieur Caution at 12:35 AM on February 17, 2011

On Normandy by Suzanne Buffam.
posted by paulsc at 1:06 AM on February 17, 2011

When Billy Collins was Poet Laureate, he began (via the Library of Congress), the Poetry 180 project for high school students (180 poems - one for each day of the approximate school year). It is very likely you'll find something there you will both like and that fits your theme.
posted by faineant at 2:06 AM on February 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

Well, the full project is that I have to put together an anthology of poems with some of my classmates.

Then why are you asking us to do it?
posted by headnsouth at 3:26 AM on February 17, 2011 [2 favorites]

I just needed some suggestions to help orient me. I'm not asking for you to put together a whole anthology of poetry and write the analysis for me.
posted by LaCapitana at 8:47 AM on February 17, 2011

When I taught high school students, Ulysses and Dulce Et Decorum Est were the go-to poems with the hero theme for teens and how what makes someone a hero is really subjective. I realize you are looking for more modern examples, but those are classics for a reason!
posted by misha at 9:22 AM on February 17, 2011

Thanks, I'll look into them. :) Also thank you for everyone else for help.
posted by LaCapitana at 11:02 AM on February 17, 2011