In honor of Poetry Month, let’s look at Illinois’ best-known poets.

1. The Best of Illinois

3. In honor of Poetry Month,
let’s look at Illinois’ best-known
poets.

4. Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks is one of Illinois’ most highly
regarded poets. She was the first black author to
receive the Pulitzer Prize, the first black women
to hold the position of poetry consultant to the
Library of Congress, and was the poet laureate
of Illinois.
Brooks’ family moved to Chicago in 1917 when
she was just six weeks old, and the city would
remain her home until her death in 2000. The
city played a large influence in her early writing.
Such pieces as “A Street in Bronzeville” and
“Annie Allen” reflect portraits of black urban
poverty. Brooks’ later work became much more
entrenched in the political narratives of her
time. Her work often has been noted as a
comment on social issues.
For more information:
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/gwendol
yn-brooks

5. Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein grew up in Chicago and attended
Theodore Roosevelt High School, the Art Institute
of Chicago and Roosevelt University.
His most notable works, “The Giving Tree” and
“Where the Sidewalk Ends,” are still read by
children across the world and hold sentimental
value for many generations. Many of his works
are sold worldwide, and “The Giving Tree” has
been translated into more than 30 languages.
In addition to his children’s books, poetry and
cartoons, Silverstein was an accomplished
songwriter. His most recognizable song is Johnny
Cash’s 1969 single: “A Boy Named Sue.” He also
wrote songs for Waylon Jennings, Gordon
Lightfoot and Loretta Lynn.
For more information:
http://www.shelsilverstein.com/

6. Ana Castillo
Ana Castillo is a Mexican-American poet who was
born in Chicago. Her work focuses on the Chicana
experience, and she is considered a leading voice
in the movement. She received her MA in Latino
Studies from the University of Chicago and was
the first So Juana Inés de la Cruz Endowed Chair
at DePaul University.
Some of Castillo’s poetry includes “Otro Canto,”
“The Invitation” and “Women Are Not Roses.”
These powerful works explore and relate how
people interpret experiences, and how we come
to revelations because of them. Much of her
work revolves around the exploration of the
intersection of her identities as Mexican, being
Native American - looking, female and from a
working class background.
For more information::
http://www.anacastillo.com/content/

7. Carl Sandburg
Carl Sandburg was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and
spent much of his life in suburban Chicago.
Sandburg’s work varied. He wrote poetry,
children’s books and biographies.
Before settling into his career as a writer,
Sandburg spent a lot of time traveling and
working various jobs. These experiences heavily
influenced both his political views and his writing.
Throughout his career Sandburg won Pulitzer
prizes for his works; “The Complete Poems of Carl
Sandburg, Corn Huskers,” ”Cornhuskers,” and
“Abraham Lincoln: The War Years.”
For more information:
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/carl-
sandburg

8. Are you an Illinois poet? Submit your
best work and we may feature it.
ilikeillinois@gmail.com

9. ilikeillinois.com