“Can we go outside and listen?” Naomi Nye ponders in her introduction. Or stay in. Reflect. Pay. Attention. If we do, we’ll find there is no such thing as a too- small moment or memory. The poems here range topically from the treatment of Palestinians (grief ), to Ferguson, where Nye grew up (more grief ), to the way genuine connection uplifts her. Many poets and writers are introduced— some in dedications, some in the poems themselves—and further illuminated in Nye’s brief comments at volume’s end. Nye is, above all, a poet of hope and heartening. In “Mountains,” she writes about Jesse, a young man of 21 who was once a 6-year-old child in one of her poetry workshops. “It was my Best Day!” he tells her, and wonders how he can get back to that feeling. “... You knew the truth / when you were six that your street was magical / and full of mountains / though it was utterly flat. / You wrote about the rooster’s songs / and the dog’s barkingful wonder. / You wrote Who do you think I am am am? / And knew instinctively it was more powerful to say / 'am’ / three times than one— / You are still that person.” Go Jesse. Go Naomi. (Age 11 and older)

“Nye once again deftly charts the world through verse.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A beautifully constructed, thoughtful, and inspiring collection.”—School Library Journal (starred review)

Young People’s Poet Laureate and National Book Award Finalist Naomi Shihab Nye’s uncommon and unforgettable voice offers readers peace, humor, inspiration, and solace. This volume of almost one hundred original poems is a stunning and engaging tribute to the diverse voices past and present that comfort us, compel us, lead us, and give us hope.

“I think the air is full of voices. If we slow down and practice listening, we hear those voices better. They live on in us. Inspiration? We need it every day. We deserve it. It is essential, like food, water, clean air, shelter. Here are some poems celebrating the voices that have changed my life and continue to do so.”—Naomi Shihab Nye, Award-winning poet and author

Voices in the Air is a collection of almost one hundred original poems written by the award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye in honor of the artists, writers, poets, historical figures, ordinary people, and diverse luminaries from past and present who inspire her and us. Full of words of encouragement, solace, and hope, this collection offers a message of peace and empathy.

Voices in the Air focuses on the inspirational people who strengthen and motivate us to create, to open our hearts, and to live rewarding and graceful lives. With short informational bios about the influential figures behind each poem, and a transcendent introduction by the poet, this is a collection to cherish, read again and again, and share with others.

Featuring black-and-white spot art throughout, as well as brief bios of the “voices,” an index, and an introduction by the author.

This collection is an invitation to listen to the world in a new way—a source of solace and strength for young adults in challenging times:

• Poetry for Young Adults: From the Young People’s Poet Laureate, nearly one hundred accessible yet profound poems about finding your place in the world.
• Inspirational Voices: Each poem pays tribute to the artists, writers, historical figures, and quiet heroes who inspire us, with short bios to introduce their stories.
• Social Justice Themes: Find solace and empathy in thoughtful free verse poems that gently engage with the challenges of our time.
• A Message of Hope: A perfect gift for teen readers, this collection is a reminder that even in a noisy world, listening can lead to connection and peace.