• Age: 8 to 12
• Grade: 3 to 7
• Reading age: 8 to 12

Science and poetry combine in an out-of-this-world exploration of the wonders of our solar system.

From a ballad of Earth and an ode to the sun to a villanelle for Venus and a sestina for Saturn, here are 14 original poems about planets and other bodies in our solar system. Each poem is written in a different poetic form that's been chosen to reflect the object's unique characteristics, and each is bursting with intriguing details sure to capture readers' imaginations. Why is Mars known as the Red Planet? How many moons does Jupiter have? And what exactly is the Kuiper Belt? Budding astronomers, young and old, can find the answers to these questions and many more in this innovative, enchanting book.

Amanda West Lewis's unique and engaging poems and text are lavishly illustrated with stunning artwork by Oliver Averill that celebrates the vastness of space while bringing its curious objects to vivid life. Every spread features a stunning space scene, a poem and a fold-out flap that, when opened, reveals easy-to-understand science facts about the object as well as an explanation of the poetic form used and why it was matched with that object. From sonnet, free verse and persona to prose, acrostic and hip-hop poems, there are 14 poetic forms to enjoy. With loads of curriculum connections in Earth science and language arts, this immersive and beautifully crafted book is a terrific choice for STEAM lesson plans. The back of the book contains a glossary, references, an activity, an illustration of our solar system and an index.

AMANDA WEST LEWIS is the author of seven books for young readers, including These Are Not the Words. Her novel September 17 was nominated for the Silver Birch Award, the Red Cedar Award and the Violet Downey IODE Award. She is a writer, theater creator, calligrapher and teaching artist. She is the founder of the Ottawa Children’s Theatre, and she has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Born in New York City, she now lives in Brooke Valley, Ontario, with her husband, writer Tim Wynne-Jones.

Amanda West Lewis' profile page

Oliver Averill is an illustrator based in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. He graduated from Falmouth University with degree in illustration and is inspired by history and most things old fashioned. He is the illustrator of several books and the author-illustrator of The Boy from the Moon.

Oliver Averill's profile page

• Joint winner, Notable Books in Poetry, NCTE Children's Poetry Award Committee
• Commended, Eureka! Excellence in Children's Nonfiction Award, California Reading Association

... budding wordsmiths and skywatchers alike will find the ride worth taking.

Kirkus Reviews

This combination of poems and planets is a fun way to introduce readers to both. An excellent purchase ...

School Library Journal, starred review

... more than an anthology of poetry to teach forms and astronomy. It is an opportunity for young readers to become young writers themselves.

CanLit for LittleCanadians

... a book that celebrates and embraces creativity, which makes it a valuable addition to any classroom.

Quill & Quire, starred review

... an excellent addition to a school library for teachers working on an outer space unit or even a public library for kids who are fascinated by the solar system.

l'Association des bibliothécaires du Québec - Quebec Library Association

... a beautiful and creative exploration of the solar system and of poetry, a wonderful way to introduce young readers - simultaneously - to both. Highly Recommended.

CM Magazine

Author Amanda West Lewis shoots for the stars and succeeds --- enchantingly! ... A Planet Is a Poem is both thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect teaching tool.

The Humm Online

... a great cross curricular connection between science and poetry. Highly recommended ...

Children's Literature

An impressive achievement that is unique in our solar system!

Booklist, starred review