A Planet is a Poem, written by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Oliver Averill. Kids Can Press, 2024. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"Only One Home 
A Ballad of Earth 

Our earth is unique, as far as we know
We're in a sweet spot near the sun. 
A "Goldilocks" rock, not too hot, not too cold,
Just right for us all to live on. 

Our planet is lush because there is soil
That grows food for everyone.
On Earth we have mountains and canyons and trees
A planet with people? Just one!" 

What an absolutely exceptional way to help middle grade readers learn more than they already know about the solar system, while also introducing them to variety in poetic forms. In 14 poems that include an ode, a ballad, a concrete poem, an acrostic, a cinquain, and a sestina, Amanda Lewis unfolds for readers features of the solar system that are both unexpected and of great interest to those kids who can never get enough of learning about our galaxy and its planets. 

In two introductions, Ms. Lewis describes the planet is a poem because of the many amazing discoveries being made with improved cameras, telescopes and computers. Alongside, she makes a case for a poem is a planet, describing how poetry works and looks. Given that each planet has its own rhythm, depending on its distance from the sun, she suggests looking carefully for clues that might inspire a poem for yet undiscovered planets in our galaxy. 

Each poem is presented on a double-page spread, accompanied by colorful galactic artwork, The poem side of the page opens to reveal another double-page spread, one side describing the poetic form used while the other provides further factual information about the subject of the poem itself. Starting with the solar system, moving on to the sun, and then from Mercury through each of the other planets, she tells their stories. Following that is a prose poem for the Kuiper Belt, and a cinquain for Arrokoth, the farthest image away from Earth that has been photographed. 

Finally, for those interested in their own poetry, she ends with a hip-hop poem for readers. The strides made because people asked questions and did research have brought us to a brand-new place today. What does the future hold? What can today's astronomers learn and discover?

Backmatter encourages writing 'your own poem', after filling yourself up with facts and ideas, images and feelings. Start with Planet X. A glossary of space terms, a list of sources and resources, and a graphic rendering of the solar system conclude. 

Truly amazing. Don't miss it1