Includes bibliographical references (p. 273) and index.

In this reference for junior and high school readers, the authors seek to profile poets from populations that are underrepresented in the mainstream canon, particularly women and writers of color. Seventy-five alphabetical entries each provide a short biography of a poet, as well as discussion of their style and influences. This is followed by a suggested reading list as well as references to websites and books for further biographical information. The entries profile both contemporary and classic poets of diverse styles, including some acknowledged masters such as Dickinson, Poe, and Langston Hughes. Other names that appear include Tupac Shakur, Sonia Sanchez, Maya Angelou, Ray Anthony Young Bear, Dorothy Parker, Gwendolyn Brooks, John Lennon, and Ntozake Shange. Annotation #169;2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.