This column, featuring some of OPL staff's favorite poetry collections in honor of National Poetry Month appeared in the April 26, 2026, edition of the Omaha World-Herald. It is also available at Omaha.com (opens in a new tab).
The Omaha Public Library wants to help readers find new books — or at least books new to them. Our employees recommend reading based on different writing genres, themes or styles. In honor of April being National Poetry Month, staff have suggested some of their favorite collections. Find these books and more at your local branch or omahalibrary.org.
“Dirty Pretty Things” by Michael Faudet. “It is so sweet! I can feel the love and admiration with every line. It is a little spicy, always a bonus. So far, my favorite piece has been 'The Race.' I like this book because it seems very real and raw, especially because not all the poems are positive and happy, so that you get to experience the full range of love and connection to another.” — Kiaja Kenard, library aide at Saddlebrook Branch
“Grit” by Silas Denver Melvin. “A beautiful portrayal of the trans-masculine experience, 'Grit' tells things like it is. With angsty prose and realistic imagery, the words just pull the reader in.” — Rory Vargas, associate library specialist at Benson Branch
“Iguana Iguana” by Caylin Capra-Thomas. “A collection that feels like a traveler’s guide: through America, yes, but also through the words we wanted to say but didn’t, the emotions that tie us, the art and friendships that heal us. Capra-Thomas is curious about language, uses phrasing reminiscent of a great musician. She picks details that bridge differences to bring us to a shared meaning the way a great teacher would instruct a new writer to. 'Callahan and Sumner' was a favorite poem, showcasing exactly what Capra-Thomas can do as a poet — winding places and generations into one epiphany of existence. Fantastic in its unordinariness, ‘Iguana Iguana’ is a fresh voice that belongs among the greats.” — Holly Pelesky, assistant branch manager at Saddlebrook Branch
“I'm Just No Good at Rhyming” by Chris Harris. “My children and I laughed and read through this book in one sitting at the dinner table, and they still quote pieces of it today (Avocado poem especially). The poems are riotously funny and the entire book is witty (why aren't there any number 8s in the whole book?!).” — Betsy Frodermann, library specialist at W. Clarke Swanson Branch
“Leave Your Sleep: a Collection of Classic Children's Poetry” by Natalie Merchant and Barbara McClintock. “Lavishly illustrated by Barbara McClintock, this book is a companion to the 'Leave Your Sleep' album Natalie Merchant recorded in 2010. It's a great multi-sensory experience for a child who can't sit still. The 16 poems on the album can be heard via YouTube, Spotify Apple Music, and iHeart radio, or check out the companion CD from OPL.” — Theresa Jehlik, strategy and business intelligence manager
“Poetry Unbound” by Padraig Ó Tuama. “If you are new to poetry, or wonder why you just don't 'get it,' this is a great book to start with. Ó Tuama chooses 50 poems and gives a short insightful essay on each. It's short and sweet, and a great way to read a poem that might not mean much to you, then Ó Tuama unlocks the world beneath the words.” — Frodermann
“A Whale of Time” by Lou Peacock. “This is a collection of silly poems for every day of the year! The pictures are engaging and the poems short for a fun read with kids or kids at heart.” — Frodermann
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. “When thinking of poetry you should never forget the children. Poets like Shel Silverstein ('Where the Sidewalk Ends' is my favorite!) and Jack Prelutsky (check out 'It’s Raining Pigs and Noodles') are great introductions to poetry for young minds. The rhythms and rhymes can be set to music, making it even more intriguing when reading aloud. — Lisa Paquette, library specialist at Central Library
“Woman Without Shame” by Sandra Cisneros. “I recommend Sandra Cisneros’ 'Woman Without Shame' in honor of National Poetry Month. This novel is a collection of poetry exploring vulnerable themes of love, sex and what it means to be a Mexican American woman. The reader follows Cisneros' journey back to herself rooted in heritage and identity through captivating poems and prose.” — Elena Nelson, library specialist at Florence Branch
“Word Made Fresh” by Abram C. Van Engan. “Van Engan breaks down how to enjoy the world of poetry and its beneficial use in the Christian Church. He splits the books into two: the ‘How?’ and the ‘Why?’ It's beautifully written and Van Engan incorporates diverse poetry to enrich the reader's life.” — Frodermann
“That This” by Susan Howe. “Dedicated to the husband who left her widowed, Susan Howe's 'That This' is a deep inquiry into knowledge and grief. It includes her trademark text collages, a technique that intensifies the absent presences in her poetry and essays." — Colby Jenkins, Milton R. Abrahams Branch
The Omaha Public Library hopes that these staff picks encourage you to pick up a new poetry collection to end this month. Whether you love to read and write it, or if it’s not something you’d normally reach for, April is the perfect time to explore and appreciate the written word. Stop by your local library branch, grab a collection and enjoy.
About Omaha Public Library
Omaha Public Library (OPL) strengthens our communities by connecting people with ideas, information, and innovative services, acting as an essential catalyst, collaborator, and connector. Learn about OPL's collections, facilities, services, programs and more at omahalibrary.org.
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