21 Must-Read Poems for Kids That They’ll Absolutely Love

Published:
April 7, 2025

Charis King

Contributor:
Charis King

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Are you looking for poems for kids that will grab your child’s attention? Whether they’re in elementary, middle school or even high school, we’ve hand-picked poems for different ages to add to your lessons. We’ve even found a couple homeschoolers can related to that we’re sure they’ll love!

poems for kids with stack of books, an open book and a pink heart

When is National Poetry Month?

April is designated as National Poetry Month and is a time to celebrate poets as well as this expressive and unique writing style. If you haven’t taken the time to study any poetry in your homeschool lessons this year, then April is the perfect time to do it.

How Can I Celebrate National Poetry Month?

There are a number of things that you can do to celebrate poetry this month. Here are a few ideas:

  1. Read a different poem each day. Intentionally choose different types of poems for kids such as a haiku, limerick, narrative, etc.
  2. Act out a poem. Poems that tell a story, describe an animal or are silly would be perfect to act out.
  3. Write a letter to a poet. If the author is still living have your child write a letter to them about a poem they liked. You never know, they might get a reply!
  4. Draw a picture of a poem. This is a great way to combine literature and art classes that your budding artists are sure to love.
  5. Write a poem. Kids of all ages can try their hand at writing a poem about any topic they’d like. The options are only limited by their imagination.
  6. Analyze poetry. Analyzing poetry is a great way to help boost vocabulary, reading comprehension and analytical skills in students of all ages.

Poems for Kids by Age

If you’re looking for poems for kids that you can easily add to your school lessons, then these poems will get you started. Each one includes the poem along with analysis worksheets to help your kids examine and reflect on each one. We’ve list these poems by the recommended age range from early learners to high school:

cover page of "The Camel", one of the poems for kids with a cartoon camel

The Camel by Ogden Nash (© Estate of Ogden Nash)

Do your kids love animals? This silly small poem questions how many humps a camel has – one or two. Recommended for ages 5-8

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a little plant coming out of a pile of dirt

The Little Plant by Kate L. Brown

This sweet poem shows how a plant grows when it gets care and attention. Recommended for ages 6-10

cover page of one of poems for kids shows a mad cartoon woman with her hands on her hips

When the Teacher Gets Cross – Author Unknown

Are you looking for a poem that could actually be about homeschoolers? This funny poem describes how students react when their teacher gets mad. Recommended for ages 6-10

cover page of one of poems for kids shows a boy holding his stomach and not looking happy

A Boy and His Stomach by Edgar Albert Guest

This silly poem describes a boy’s relationship with his stomach. It’s perfect for younger readers and can introduce them to the fun of poetry. Recommended for ages 7-10

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows a baseball player with a bat on his shoulder.

Casey at the Bat by Phineas Thayer

Kids who love a story will enjoy this poem about a baseball team who hopes for a win as their star player, Casey, steps up to bat. Recommended for ages 8-12

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows 2 bats crossed with a baseball in the middle

Casey’s Revenge by James Wilson

If your kids loved the poem “Casey at the Bat” then they need to read this sequel. Find out what happens when Casey gets up to bat in another game. Recommended for ages 8-12

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of  farmer with plants

Mr. Finney’s Turnip – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Introduce your kids to Longfellow with one of his first poems, written when he was just 9 years old, about the story of a turnip that grew in a garden and ended up on the table. Recommended for ages 8-12

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a little bluebird singing

The Bluebird’s Song by Emily Huntington Miller

Looking for a poem to add to any spring lessons? This poem celebrates the joy of spring through the cheerful song of a bluebird. Recommended for ages 9-11

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a boy writing at a desk

Johnny’s Hist’ry Lesson by Nixon Waterman

Here’s another humorous poem that kids are sure to relate to whether they are homeschooled or go to a traditional school. How much really can happen in 1492? Recommended for ages 9-14

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of 2 pilgrims

The Landing of the Pilgrims by Emily Huntington Miller

Are you looking for a poem about the on Pilgrims? This one looks at their journey to America and highlights their courage, faith, and hope for a new life. Recommended for ages 12-14

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a man holding a board

Plain Bob and a Job by James W. Foley

The poem is about a man who looks for a job and finds pride in having one. It can be a great reminder for our teens that success and fulfillment often come from doing your best, no matter the job. Recommended for ages 12-14

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of the US flag

The Flag Goes By by Henry Holcomb Bennett

This poem celebrates the American flag and reminds us of the the importance of honoring the flag and what it represents in times of peace and war. Recommended for ages 12-18

cover page of our "The Kids has Gone to the Colors" poem analysis pack with shadow of a soldier saluting the US flag

The Kid Has Gone to the Colors by W.M. Herschell

This poem reflects on the emotions of a family as they see their child enlist in the military. Recommended for ages 12-18

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of George Washington

Mount Vernon’s Bells by M.B.C. Slade

Do your kids love George Washington? This poem honors his memory as it focuses on the bells at Mount Vernon. Recommended for ages 12-18

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of Abraham Lincoln

O Captain! My Captain! by Walt Whitman

If your kids admire Abraham Lincoln then this is a definite poem to read and analyze as it mourns his death and remembers all he did to lead the US during the Civil War. (Currently available in our store) Recommended for ages 12-18

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a calendar page

To-Day by Nixon Waterman

This poem encourages us to take action today rather than wait for tomorrow. Make the most of each day by doing good right now. Recommended for ages 12-18

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows watercolor of a sunset over a river

Count that Day Lost by George Eliot

This poem us that a day well spent is one when we help others. It can be great for teens to think about how they can make their days meaningful. Recommended for Ages 14+

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a dad and son sitting and talking together

IF- by Rudyard Kipling

This poem teaches important lessons about handling challenges with strength, staying calm in tough situations, and being humble in success. Recommended for Ages 14+

cover page of one of poems for kids. shows cartoon of a group of men

Give Us Men by Josiah Gilbert Holland

This poem is looking for people to do what is right – even if it’s hard. It can encourage your high schooler to think about the type of person they want to be. Recommended for Ages 14+

Easter Poem for Teens

Are you looking for a poem your teens can analyze to help prepare their hearts for Easter?

"Good Friday poem analysis pack cover with purple sash on a cross

Good Friday by Christina Rossetti

Are you looking to add Easter poetry into your homeschool lessons? This FREE poem analysis pack will allow your middle and high school students to think about this poem related to the author imagining herself seeing Jesus on the cross.

What’s Inside our Poetry Analysis Packs?

  • Complete Poem Text with name of author
  • Ponder It Pages  Have your kids respond to questions about the poem.
  • Rate It Pages – Students can practice their opinion writing skills when they explain why they did or did not like the poem.
  • Draw it Page – Any budding artist can take the time to draw an image about the poem. This can be another way of reflection that encompasses art.
  • Bonus Pages – Some poetry worksheet packs will have extras such as handwriting worksheets, tracing worksheets or coloring pages.

Final Thoughts

There are so many poems for kids available to explore and discuss. Our list is just a start so keep searching to find even more they’ll love!

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