ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patsy Dunstan is an educator who has taught in Jamaica, the Bahamas and the United States for over 50 years. She has taught children of all levels, from early childhood to high school. She is a graduate of Shortwood Teachers College and the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. For over two decades, she operated a daycare in Brooklyn, New York, Expressions Educational and Cultural Center, Inc. With the advent of COVID-19, the center was closed. She believes poetry should be taught at every level in schools and should not be reserved for the rich and educated adults. She hopes “My Interactive Book of Poems” will help to level the playing field as it makes poems more accessible to all children.

Youth Poet Laureate

The US recognizes the contributions that youths make in poetry, in communities and nationally. States select their own Youth Poet Laureate and the winner from the states vie for the coveted position. The title given to the winner is National Youth Poet Laureate. The National Youth Poet Laureate serves a one year term and is the voice of poetry for youths.The first National Youth Poet Laureate was chosen in 2017. She is Amanda Gorman.

Parents and teachers who identify child/children with talent in poetry may seek out organizations in their state, on line, whose mission is to provide guidance and support for youths. This service is free and is open to teens and younger children. There’s a wealth of information on the internet about youth poets, and it is easy to access.