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This summer, to celebrate books and reading, we’re challenging you to complete 12 activities.11. Write an ode An ode is a type of poem that praises a person, place or thing. Put pen to paper and write about your favourite things. Find tips on how to write your own adoring ode from Holly King-Mand at tinyurl.com/ TWJ-ode and send us a photo for a chance to see your poem in the magazine, at hello@theweekjunior.co.uk [Extracted from the article]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including fictional stories such as "Is This My Christina" by Sue Murtagh and "Soil Samples" by Glen Clifton and poems such as "Life Skills" and "At Seventy" by Suzanne Nussey.

A personal narrative is presented which explores author's experience of writing poetry inspired by her aunt's life in a residential hospital, the challenges of confronting personal and societal issues through creative work, and the process of coming to terms with her identity as a poet.

The author reflects on the multifaceted nature of poetry through an exploration of a handmade book by Oliver Reynolds, which reveals the complex history and multiple translations of a poem originally attributed to Joachim du Bellay but traced back to Janus Vitalis of Palermo.

The article focuses on an innovative approach to teaching language through creative writing, specifically through the "Mis Antepasados / My Ancestors" project, where students write poems to their ancestors in Spanish. This project aims to foster a sense of wonder and personal connection among students, encouraging them to explore their cultural heritage and express it through language and art collaborations with other students.

The article focuses on the experience of teaching Ron Padgett's poem "Nothing in That Drawer" in an eighth-grade English class, exploring whether simplicity can still qualify as poetry. Topics include the initial skepticism from students regarding the poem's poetic merit, the effectiveness of reading it aloud to convey its depth, and the subsequent creative writing assignment inspired by the poem's structure.

The article explores the intersection of poetry and technology, highlighting concerns about the economic marginalization of the arts and the growing influence of STEM fields. It delves into the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in poetry creation, critiquing the quality of AI-generated poetry and discussing broader societal anxieties surrounding AI and technological advancement.

The article focuses on the intersection of American poet, Adrienne Rich's chronic illness, specifically rheumatoid arthritis, with her poetry and personal identity. It explores how Rich's experience with chronic pain and disability influenced her writing style, themes, and the evolution of her poetic voice over time. It analyzes how her chronic illness shaped her poetic expression and her engagement with issues such as identity, politics, and feminism.

This article, titled "POEM IN WHICH I WRITE US INTO EPISODES OF THE SOPRANOS: For Christina," is a poem by P. Scott Cunningham. The poem imagines the author and his partner being inserted into various episodes of the television show The Sopranos. Each episode is described briefly, highlighting the presence of the author and his partner in the background or as part of the storyline. The poem explores themes of love, relationships, and the desire to be part of a fictional world. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the writer's experiences at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. He encompassing topics such as the evolving identity of the college in the early 1970s, the impact of renowned poet Richard Wilbur as a mentor, and the writer's pursuit of poetry while reflecting on transformative moments, including an unconventional trip to Concord, Massachusetts during the bicentennial celebration.

The article recounts the discovery of a handwritten poem by Philip Larkin in a book owned by the author's father, hinting at a personal connection between Larkin and the author's family. Topics discussed include the significance of the discovered poem, potential influences on Larkin's work, and insights into his poetic evolution.

The author reflects on the enduring challenges and changes in the field of poetry and publishing as they prepare to leave their editorial office on Cross Street and include the shift in cultural and political pressures on writers, the evolving nature of controversial issues in literature.

The article explores the legacy of poet David Wright through his correspondence with Julian Orde Abercrombie, shedding light on their friendship and Orde's poetry, culminating in the forthcoming publication of her collection "Conjurors." Topics discussed include the significance of Wright's advocacy for Orde's work, the slow process of editing and publishing poetry, and the enduring impact of mid-twentieth-century poets on contemporary literature.

The article focuses on the life and legacy of poet Sjohnna McCray, emphasizing his poetic exploration of identity and family complexities in his award-winning collection "Rapture." Topics include his biracial upbringing, the impact of his mother's mental illness, and his quest for self-acceptance through poetry.

The article offers information on using poetry to motivate and inspire students during difficult times. Topics include the author's preference for teaching poetry in January due to its conducive atmosphere for brooding metaphors and imagery, the emotional exhaustion of students in January 2021 following a year of political unrest and Covid lockdowns, and the effectiveness of using Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "Burning the Old Year" to help students process their emotions and seek a fresh start.

A study conducted by the University of Wroclaw in Poland explores two poetic pieces related to the Battle of Ula, a significant event in the war between Moscow and Livonia. The research discusses the connection between Jan Kochanowski's trifle III 51 and Maciej Stryjkowski's poem, both of which are influenced by the Battle of Ula. The study focuses on the description and structure of Stryjkowski's poem. The research has been peer-reviewed and can be accessed through the journal Pamietnik Literacki. [Extracted from the article]

The article recounts the life and literary contributions of poet Guy Goffette, highlighting his upbringing in a rural working-class family near three borders, his prolific career as a poet and editor, and his distinctive style characterized by lyricism and a warmth of spokenness. Topics discussed include Goffette's literary achievements, his poetic philosophy influenced by Verlaine, and his return to old poems during illness, culminating in the publication of "French Toast" amidst the pandemic.

A new report from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland explores the theme of decay in the poetry of Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer. The research focuses on the concept of repulsion and its role in the poet's work, particularly the fear of the self. The study analyzes Tetmajer's poetry through the lens of affective studies and examines various aspects of decay, including repulsion to life, landscapes of decay, repulsion figures, decay of the self, repulsion of the bodily, and decay of memory and memories. The research has been peer-reviewed and can be accessed through the journal Pamietnik Literacki. [Extracted from the article]

An interview with haiku poet and environmentalist Anne Burgevin is presented. She discusses her use of haiku in teaching creative writing and fostering environmental awareness among students. Topics include Burgevin's discovery of haiku, the challenges of transitioning from "me" focused to "not me" focused poetry, and her approach to teaching haiku to students of different age groups, emphasizing sensory experiences and cultural connections.

This article provides a review of two recently published poetry collections: "Each Luminous Thing" by Stacie Cassarino and "The Upstate" by Lindsay Turner. Both collections explore themes of love, motherhood, and the beauty of nature. Cassarino's poems focus on the experience of queer, single motherhood, while Turner's work combines formal innovation with social consciousness. The poems in both collections offer prayers, spells, and talismans for what is cherished and beautiful, despite life's challenges. Additionally, the article discusses "The Upstate," a collection by Lisa Russ Spaar, which explores vulnerability, environmental degradation, and personal despair in the Appalachian South. The poems also reflect on the speaker's emotional state influenced by living in a politically divided area during a time of economic disparities. Despite the darkness and anxiety present in the poems, moments of beauty and hope are also found, reflecting Spaar's deep concern for others and desire for change. [Extracted from the article]