Today’s poem came about while I was putting together my newest picture book, I Am Today (POW! Kids Books), which officially arrives Nov. 30.
While it doesn’t show up anywhere in the book, the poem’s words helped me focus on what the book was about – namely, showing kids they have the ability to affect change now, rather than waiting to be “The Future,” as we grown-ups often tell them.
As it turns out, the poem is very fitting, as POW! Kids Books and I have put together a special opportunity for schools, libraries, and home school groups to get to learn more about the book on the day before World Children’s Day (Nov. 20):

.
The Child Who
…seeks the truth.
The child who lends a hand.
The child who shares concern.
The child who takes a stand.
The child who knows their strength.
The child who knows their worth.
These are the ones to forge
their paths upon the Earth.
– © 2021 Matt F. Esenwine, all rights reserved

I hope you like the poem, and if you or someone you know wants to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact me as soon as possible! For today’s complete Poetry Friday roundup, head over to wee words for wee ones, where Bridget Magee is getting a lot of atTENtion with her very first poetry anthology, 10•10 Poetry Anthology: Celebrating 10 in 10 Different Ways!
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I continue adding to my “Wit & Wordplay” videos ! These videos were created for parents and educators (along with their kids) to learn how to write poetry, appreciate it, and have fun with it. From alliteration and iambs to free verse and spine poetry, I’m pretty sure there’s something in these videos you’ll find surprising! You can view them all on my YouTube channel, and if you have young kids looking for something to keep busy with, I also have several downloadable activity sheets at my website.
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You can purchase personally-signed copies of Flashlight Night, (Astra Young Readers, 2017), Don’t Ask a Dinosaur (Pow! Kids Books, 2018), and nearly EVERY book or anthology I’ve been part of!
Click any of the covers below to order!
Just click the cover of whichever book you want and send a comment to the good folks at MainStreet BookEnds in Warner, NH requesting my signature and to whom I should make it out. (alternatively, you can log onto my website and do the same thing) They’ll contact me, I’ll stop by and sign it, and then they’ll ship it! (Plus, you’ll be supporting your local bookseller – and won’t that make you feel good?)
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Thank you to everyone for your support!
FLASHLIGHT NIGHT:
- NY Public Library’s “100 Best Book for Kids 2017” AND “Staff Pick!”
- KIRKUS Starred review!
- Kansas NEA Reading Circle Recommended Books!
- “Best Reads of 2017,” Unleashing Readers
- Finalist, 2019 New Hampshire Literary Awards
- Positive reviews from Horn Book, School Library Connection, School Library Connection, Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and Shelf-Awareness!
DON’T ASK A DINOSAUR:
- “Rollicking rhyme!” – Booklist
- “A wild romp!” – Parenting NH Magazine
- “Cute…intriguing…4 out of 5 stars” – Tulsa Book Review
- “Rhythmic…funny and informative” – Unleashing Readers
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What a wonderful poem, Matt. I particularly love the hopeful message and the emphasis in your new book on making a difference NOW. How we talk about issues like climate change and social justice is so important – a discussion can leave young people feeling discouraged and powerless, or engaged and empowered to make an impact on the issues they care about.
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Thank you, Elisabeth – I’m hoping kids will come away with the understanding that we can all help in our own ways, no matter our age!
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Beautiful poem, Matt. Yes, we all can affect change NOW or there will be no future. Congratulations on I AM TODAY. 🙂
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Thanks, Bridget – and congrats again on the anthology!!
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What a great message to give kids, that change can start now with them. Lovely poem and I wish you good luck with your new book!
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Thanks so much, Janice!
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Your message for kids is needed, Matt, & I love the strong words in the poem. How wonderful to connect to World Children’s Day! My granddaughters already know that they can make a difference by helping others. Their block has a ‘sale day’ every once in a while where neighbors sell crafts, flower bundles, etc. Ingrid & Imo often create something & donate the money to a local charity, one for homeless kids. I’ll look for your book!
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That’s so nice, your grandkids are learning the importance of volunteerism and philanthropy. Thanks, Linda!
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What a great message for kids to be who they are today. I believe in what change my students can make today and we work together to make it happen.
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Working together is what it’s all about ,right? Thanks, Margaret!
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Matt, congratulations again on this sweet book. I’m sure the great opportunity to speak with you about kindness and celebrate Children’s Day have all been claimed. What a great gift you are giving to those classes. All the best!
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Thank you, Denise – we actually do still have some available spots, if you know anyone who’s interested!
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What an empowering message to send to kids. Your newest book looks wonderful!
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Thanks, Molly!
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Congrats on your newest book. Your poem is such a tribute to children.
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Thank you so much, Jone!
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Matt, this looks like a wonderful book for young changemakers. It is so important to give children a positive aspect on life. I will send off your graphic on Twitter to entice teachers to take advantage of your new book. If you would like, I can publicize your book at my blog since I feel this is such an uplifting book for classrooms and libraries. Can you please send me a copy. I am presenting to a couple of groups via Zoom this year so I would love to share your book.
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Thank you so much, Carol – I appreciate you sharing the news and the graphic. And I’ll send you an ARC shortly for your perusal!
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Matt, this sounds like such a powerful book that will inspire young readers! Congratulations.
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Thank you so much, Mary! Hope all is well with you!
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