Children's Biographies

FALL for Poetry
-James Whitcomb Riley-

At the first hint of fall each year—when Back-to-School becomes routine again, and a fire in the fireplace is welcome—Americans celebrate the man who became known as The Children’s Poet. James Whitcomb Riley.

“When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder’s in the shock…” has been uttered by millions of grade-schoolers by memory. Riley described small-town life in the Midwest as precisely and lovingly with a pen and paper as Rockwell did with a paintbrush.

By the end of the 19th century, Riley was one of the most recognized figures in the United States. One million children celebrated his 66th birthday in 1915. Why not celebrate his 157th in 2006 by reading aloud “Little Orphant Annie” and attending the Riley Festival in Greenfield, Indiana.

Did You Know?
Fun Facts About James Whitcomb Riley

Before he became famous, Riley worked as a shoe clerk, a house painter, a door-to-door salesman and a sign painter.
James Whitcomb Riley was also called the "Hoosier Poet," which became a brand name for canned fruits, vegetables and coffee.
Among Riley's friends were Mark Twain, Lew Wallace, President Benjamin Franklin and Eugene V. Debs, founder of the American Socialist Party.
Riley Hospital for Children, named for the poet, opened in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1924 and is world-renowned today for its excellent care for children.

To learn more about Volume 5 of The Young Patriots Series, James Whitcomb Riley, Young Poet, click HERE.

Beyond the Book . . .
Activities for Kids, Parents and Teachers
In honor of James Whitcomb Riley

Volume 5 of the Young Patriots Series
- James Whitcomb Riley, Young Poet -
depicts the boyhood adventures of the
“Children's Poet."

From the James Whitcomb Riley, Young Poet Teacher’s Guide

Using tongue depressors or ice cream sticks and other readily available craft materials, students can create models of Bud's log house or examples of early transportation in the book, including stagecoaches and horsecars on tracks. Have students build their models using the book's descriptions as their guide. They might also want to conduct additional research in the library or on the Internet to find illustrations.

Find the complete Teacher’s Guide and Webquest here.

Celebrate Black Poetry Day

Jupitor Hammon was the first published African-American poet. Born into slavery in 1711 most likely in Long Island, New York, Hammon became a renowned poet, still recognized today. Black Poetry Day was established to honor all African-American poets and artists and their great contributions to American culture and literature, and is celebrated in October to mark the anniversary of Hammon’s birthday.

Hammon recognized another poet—Phillis Wheatley—of similar background in his published work entitled “Miss Wheatley; pray give leave to express as follows:” For the complete poem, Click Here.

Phillis Wheatley was the first notable African-American writer in America. Volume 10 of the Young Patriots Series, Phillis Wheatley, Young Revolutionary Poet, depicts the story of young Phillis being sold at a slave auction at the age of seven to the prosperous Wheatley family in Boston. Largely self-educated, she became one of the most well-known poets of her day.

For more information on Phillis Wheatley, Young Revolutionary Poet, Click Here.

Special Offer for Subscribers Only!

In honor of James Whitcomb Riley's birthday, we're offering this special discount for our newsletter subscribers only.

Receive a 25% discount AND free shipping with your order of a Classroom Pack (25 paperbacks) of James Whitcomb Riley, Young Poet.

That’s a Savings of OVER $60.00!

To take advantage of this special offer, print the special order form, order online, fax to 413-215-8030, or MAIL to Patria Press, Inc. PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082.

Remember! The Young-Patriot-of-the-Month Gift Pack may be ordered at ANY time during the year and lasts for the twelve months following the order month!

Click Here for The Young-Patriot-of-the-Month Order Form with a book-of-the-month subscription!

All Young Patriots titles may also be ordered from your favorite wholesaler. Teacher's Guides and Webquests are always free and may be downloaded at our website.

Schools and libraries may also fax your purchase order to 413-215-8030, or mail to Patria Press, Inc., PO Box 752, Carmel, IN 46082.

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