Ted Kooser: More Than a Local Wonder
Long before he became United States Poet Laureate and an award-winning author of books for adults and children, Ted Kooser was an unathletic Iowa child who yearned to fit in. Young Teddy Kooser found solace, purpose and his voice in stories. As a child and later while working in the insurance industry, Ted honed his craft and unique style as he wrote about the people and places of the rural Midwest. Ted’s life is an affirmation of pursuing one’s passions and finding oneself through words.
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Meet illustrator Paula Wallace at https://www.paulawallacefineart.com/
“Carla Ketner’s captivating, lyrical style beautifully illustrates Ted Kooser’s life––from small-town misfit to America’s poet laureate––with grace, wonder, and, above all, heart.”—Jill Esbaum
Applying and Interviewing for Jobs
The application and interviewing process is an important part of getting a job. This book provides teens with helpful tips for applying to jobs, writing resumes, and interviewing.
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​Applying and Interviewing for Jobs is part of the Teen Guide to First Jobs series of​ ​Hi-Lo YA nonfiction, for ages 12-18. Perfect for reluctant readers or English Language Learners.
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Available August 1, 2026 or preorder now.
About Ted Kooser
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser lives in Garland, Nebraska. Ted is the author of numerous books of poetry and essays, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Delights and Shadows and a book of essays about the area in which he lives, Local Wonders: Seasons in the Bohemian Alps. He is also the author of six picture books. A former vice president of Lincoln Benefit Life, he is a retired University of Nebraska, Lincoln, professor.
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To learn more about Ted Kooser, visit his official website, https://www.tedkooser.net/
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Chapters Books & Gifts is privileged to be able to offer personalized signed copies of Ted's books. Visit https://sewardchapters.com/ted-kooser
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Photo credit Suzanne Ohlmann.