About the Author

Renard F. Harlow grew up in Chicago, Illinois. Excellent parenting and the Chicago Public School System prepared him to pursue the road of higher education. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Communication Disorders. From there, Dr. Harlow continued his educational pursuits at Florida State University, where he earned his Doctorate in Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Over the past 20 years, Dr. Harlow has worked extensively with children from preschool through high school. As a mentor, teacher, motivator, and friend, he helps guide all of his students in the direction of positive and critical thinking, character building, and love of self. In this regard, Dr. Harlow has used poetry as one means of exposing children to the intricacies of the world in which we live; the simple and the complex woven into the same fabric, where strength of character and fragilities of the soul go hand-in-hand.

Dr. Harlow has learned that once students become intrigued by the message of a poem … its rhythm … its radiance … its revelation, they begin to read, write, and listen to poetry with a sense of purpose. Confidence and self-esteem begin to blossom, and many students - once reluctant - come to view this medium as a viable, creative, and positive means of expressing their concerns, desires, feelings, and beliefs. Dr. Harlow states: “When students discover their talents and uniqueness, it is a joy to behold!”

Renard F. Harlow has dedicated his life to serving the needs of our youth. He sincerely hopes that 101 Recitable Poems For School Age Children – albeit a small piece of the proverbial puzzle of life – will contribute to the social, emotional, and educational growth of the young people who peruse its pages.