1. AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN POETRY FOR CHILDREN WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHY? FUN!

2. WHO HAS WON THIS AWARD? Click here to see a list of all previous winners!here HOME The most recent recipient of this award was Lee Bennett Hopkins in 2009.Lee Bennett Hopkins Some previous winners include but are not limited to: Nikki GrimesNikki Grimes (2006) Mary Ann HobermanMary Ann Hoberman (2003) X.J. Kennedy X.J. Kennedy (2000) Eloise GreenfieldEloise Greenfield (1997) Barbara EsbensonBarbara Esbenson (1994)

3. WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA? HOME For more details, click HERE!HERE! 1. Literary Merit 2. Poet’s Contributions 3. Evolution of the Poet’s Work 4. Appeal to Children

4. WHEN IS THIS AWARD GIVEN? HOME The NCTE Poetry Committee gave the award annually until 1982 and every three years until 2009. In 2008 the Poetry Committee updated the criteria and changed the time frame to every other year. The next award will be given in 2011.NCTE Poetry Committee Convention 2010

5. WHY IS THIS AWARD GIVEN? HOME The National Council of Teachers of English wishes to recognize and foster excellence in children's poetry by encouraging its publication and by exploring ways to acquaint teachers and children with poetry through such means as publications, programs, and displays. As one means of accomplishing this goal, NCTE established its Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children in 1977 to honor a living American poet for his or her aggregate work for children ages 3–13

6. CLICK AND LEARN HOME FUNNY POEMS! RHYMING DICTIONARY POETRY GAMES! WIZARDS AND PIGS