The book elicits the students' intellectual engagement, emotional involvement, and imaginative participation with 393 poems from a blend of classic favorites, contemporary pieces, and works from outside the mainstream. Balances classic and modern works by men and women, white authors and minority authors, mainstream and formerly unheard-of voices; presents two or more contrasting interpretations of a work; pairs works from different periods or traditions that share a common theme to spark discussions; provides critical excerpts throughout the book; gives helpful guidelines for writing about important elements of literature; and more. An introductory guide for students of Poetry or Literature.