Arnold Adoff Quotes

United States, Writer
July 16, 1935

Arnold Adoff is an American children's writer. In 1988, the National Council of Teachers of English gave Adoff the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. He has said, "I will always try to turn sights and sounds into words. I will always try to shape words into my singing poems."

A fine poem combines the elements of meaning, music, and a form like a living frame that holds it together.

Arnold Adoff
- Music
- Elements
- Poem
I began writing for kids because I wanted to effect a change in American society. I continue in that spirit. By the time we reach adulthood, we are closed and set in our attitudes. The chances of a poet reaching us are very slim. But I can open a child's imagination, develop his appetite for poetry, and more importantly, show him that poetry is a natural part of everyday life. We all need someone to point out that the emperor is wearing no clothes. That's the poet's job.

Arnold Adoff
- Change
- Imagination
- Child