Voices in the Air: Poems for Listeners

"Nye once again deftly charts the world through verse."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A beautifully constructed, thoughtful, and inspiring collection."--School Library Journal (starred review)

Young People's Poet Laureate and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye's uncommon and unforgettable voice offers readers peace, humor, inspiration, and solace. This volume of almost one hundred original poems is a stunning and engaging tribute to the diverse voices past and present that comfort us, compel us, lead us, and give us hope.

"I think the air is full of voices. If we slow down and practice listening, we hear those voices better. They live on in us. Inspiration? We need it every day. We deserve it. It is essential, like food, water, clean air, shelter. Here are some poems celebrating the voices that have changed my life and continue to do so."--Naomi Shihab Nye, Award-winning poet and author

Voices in the Air is a collection of almost one hundred original poems written by the award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye in honor of the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, ordinary people, and diverse luminaries from past and present who inspire her and us. Full of words of encouragement, solace, and hope, this collection offers a message of peace and empathy.

Voices in the Air focuses on the inspirational people who strengthen and motivate us to create, to open our hearts, and to live rewarding and graceful lives. With short informational bios about the influential figures behind each poem, and a transcendent introduction by the poet, this is a collection to cherish, read again and again, and share with others.

Featuring black-and-white spot art throughout, as well as brief bios of the "voices," an index, and an introduction by the author.

In a world that never stops talking, this collection is an invitation to listen.

• From the Young People's Poet Laureate: An unforgettable and accessible voice offering nearly one hundred original poems of peace, humor, and solace.
• Poems About Life: A tribute to the diverse voices--from artists and historical figures to ordinary people--that give us hope and inspiration.
• Social Justice and Empathy: Poems that gently engage with the world, offering a message of peace and a path toward understanding in complicated times.
• A Space for Mindfulness: An invitation to slow down, practice listening, and discover the essential, comforting voices in the air all around you.