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Ann Bracken

POET. AUTHOR. CREATOR OF POSSIBILITIES.

“Great combo of organization and hands-on opportunity.”

Great combo of organization and hands-on opportunity. You are a wonderful facilitator — enthusiastic, welcoming, and encouraging. Kit Turen

"Great combo of organization and hands-on opportunity."

Next Article “an out-of-the-box thinker.”

Purchase my books

Click here to purchase signed copies and a PDF download.

Click here to purchase print books from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop or purchase eBook for Apple, Nook and Scribd.

Nominated for Pushcart Prize – 2014 and 2016

Meet Ann Bracken

Where to hear Ann read

Possibility Programs

A Musing Poet Posts

A Musing Poet Posts

Testimonials

“In clear, everyday language, Ann Bracken shows us the power of words to redeem the worst sort of misery. “The Altar of Innocence” chronicles the ultimately triumphant journey of a sensitive child through the minefield of alcoholism and depression. Ann’s beautiful spirit shines through in every poem.” Barbara Quick, , author of Vivaldi’s Virgins and A Golden Web

"triumphant journey of a sensitive child..."

Ann Bracken’s book, The Altar of Innocence, explores the cycle of her mother’s mental illness and alcoholism and its legacy in her own life. With searing honesty and gripping details, the book creates an unforgettable portrait not just of two women but also of the ailing cultures that surround them. At the end there is an image of a ceramic heart that has been glued back together—”even broken, it was beautiful”—that makes a powerful figure both for the soul of the poet, forged through trauma, … Read more

"the book creates an unforgettable portrait not just of two women but also of the ailing cultures that surround them. "

” I am able to hear the environment of the prison building as I read one transcript after another of the despair, horror, and hope. There should be a Nobel prize for going into the dark with others who live there on a permanent basis, but then again, darkness is a state of mind. Thank you for your beautiful work, Ann.” ~Patti Tronolone

Beautiful work!

This poetry residency made the children love poetry in a new way. Ann’s passion for poetry rubbed off on every student and helped them to be successful. Michele Barron, Teacher, Howard County Public Schools

"residency made children love poetry in a new way."

The opportunity to be with other women, to engage in purposeful journaling, and to receive guidance from Ann enabled me to begin the next chapter of my life. Becky Salerno

"purposeful journaling....enabled me to begin next chapter in my life."

“to say that I was blown away by your poems, would be a gross underestimation!…I want every administrator, every new teacher, everyone to read your book.”

Binki McKenna, Media Specialist

amazing poems

“I read through the whole book the day I got it, went back to reread and underline all the things I loved so I could tell you about them…then life took over. The short of it is that I absolutely love it…” Under the twigs of youthful dreams” ” wanting the sweet relief of wine in her veins” ” blunting the tide and inviting me in” ” and always the martinis” ” between truth and loyalty” “my good night hugs are not returned by either parent” ” her blood rivering down the drain” ” the invisible boul… Read more

"I read through the book the day I got it."

” I couldn’t stop reading Once You’re Inside, your new poetry book. I experienced so many emotions. Frustration, Hope, Anger. Then respect for your courage going into this broken system.” ~Brian England

Couldn't stop reading

“This is a terrific collection. “Sometimes a Poet”, “Voices In My Ear”, “Wingless Bird”; are all wonderful poems. It’s hard to choose favorites. All these kids, Angie, Horace, Magic, Ben are vivid in your writing. I hope teachers and school administrators can read these poems and learn something.”

Peter Dan Levin

A terrific collection

Many of the most reluctant readers and writers in the grade were writing some amazing poems. The students felt that they could be creative due to an acceptance by Ms. Bracken for all students’ work. Liz Morris, Reading Specialist, Howard County Public Schools

"...most reluctant readers and writers in the grade were writing some amazing poems."

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