Instructional Video6:03
Wonderscape

Phyllis Wheatley: The First Published Black American Poet

K - 5th
This video tells the story of Phyllis Wheatley, a young girl from Gambia who became the first Black American to publish a book of poetry. Learn about her journey from enslavement to literary fame, her notable works, and her impact on...
Instructional Video3:36
Biography

Robert Frost - American Poet & Four-time Pulitzer Prize Winner | Mini Bio | BIO

6th - 11th
Watch a short video biography of poet Robert Frost, winner of four Pulitzer Prizes and the Inaugural Poet for President Kennedy in 1961. #Biography Subscribe for more Biography: http://aetv.us/2AsWMPH Delve deeper into Biography on our...
Instructional Video3:54
Biography

William Faulkner - Two Time Pullitzer Prize Winner & Poet-Novelist of Mississippi | Mini Bio | BIO

6th - 11th
A two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, William Faulkner was the poet-novelist of Mississippi. His novels "The Sound and the Fury," "As I Lay Dying," and "Light in August" all reflect the history and culture of the American South. #Biography...
Instructional Video3:24
Biography

Walt Whitman Revolutionised American Poetry

6th - 11th
Poet and journalist Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819 in West Hills, New York. Considered one of America's most influential poets, Whitman aimed to transcend traditional epics and eschew normal aesthetic form to mirror the potential...
Instructional Video3:13
Biography

Walt Whitman - Journalist | Mini Bio | BIO

6th - 11th
Poet and journalist Walt Whitman was born on May 31, 1819 in West Hills, New York. Considered one of America's most influential poets, Whitman aimed to transcend traditional epics and eschew normal aesthetic form to mirror the potential...
Instructional Video4:18
Biography

Maya Angelou - Civil Rights Activist & Author | Mini Bio | BIO

6th - 11th
Marguerite Annie Johnson Angelou (April 4, 1928 to May 28, 2014), known as Maya Angelou, was an American author, actress, screenwriter, dancer, poet and civil rights activist best known for her 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird...
Instructional Video1:45
Biography

Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

6th - 11th
Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817. He was an American essayist, philosopher and poet who is most famous for his essay titled, "Civil Disobedience". Like most philosophers, Thoreau constantly questioned everything and was...
Instructional Video3:50
Biography

Edgar Allan Poe - Writer | Mini Bio | BIO

6th - 11th
Edgar Allan Poe (January 19, 1809 to October 7, 1849) was an American writer, poet, critic and editor best known for evocative short stories and poems that captured the imagination and interest of readers around the world. His...
Instructional Video3:33
Biography

Langston Hughes- Mini Biography

8th - 12th Standards
When delving into such writings as "I Too Sing America" or "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" by poet, novelist, and playwright Langston Hughes, don't forget to provide this important historical background information on the Harlem...
Instructional Video
PBS

Pbs: Poetry Everywhere: Adrienne Rich: "What Kind of Times Are These"

9th - 10th
Brief biographical information about American poet Adrienne Rich, including a video [2:00] of Rich reading one of her famous poems, "What Kind of Times Are These."
Instructional Video
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Voices & Visions: Ezra Pound

9th - 10th
Part of a video series that "explores the lives and works of 13 of America's most famous poets," this site consists of a video (with transcript) and a series of links to resources about Pound, including an excerpt of "Canto LXXXI." [56:59]
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Nikki Grimes

K - 1st
You can watch an interview with Nikki Grimes, view the transcript and read a short biography. Also includes a list of her children's books. [1:37]
Instructional Video
PBS

Pbs: Poetry Everywhere: Stanley Kunitz: "Touch Me"

9th - 10th
Brief biographical information about American poet Stanley Kunitz, including a video [2:47] of Kunitz reading one of his famous poems, "Touch Me."
Instructional Video
PBS

Pbs: Poetry Everywhere: Emily Dickinson: "I Started Early"

9th - 10th
Brief biographical information about American poet Emily Dickinson, including an animated video reading [2:09] of one of her famous poems, "I Started Early."
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Carole Boston Weatherford

Pre-K - 1st
Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who has written books about African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the...
Instructional Video
Reading Rockets

Reading Rockets: Author Interviews: Kwame Alexander

Pre-K - 1st
Kwame Alexander, an award-winning poet and author, writes picture books for children and cross-genre books for teens. The Crossover - his basketball-concrete poetry-hiphop mashup - was awarded the 2015 Newbery Medal. Alexander is also...