What does a poet read? Sky is one of 20 local poets inspiring customers at Main Library with his words during National Poetry Month. He shared the books that inspire him.

Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling. The entire series. It was the first series that completely wrapped me in and absorbed me. The first and only book I’ve waited in line for.

Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn. It’s a book about a gorilla learning philosophy. It’s a deep and inspiring book that can change the way you think.

Hero, by Perry Moore. This is an amazing book. It has LGBT elements and is about superheroes. Honestly can’t wait for another one.

ANY TERRY PRATCHETT BOOK. This man is a literary inspiration to me. His interwoven tales of discworld are funny, poignant and always relevant. I’m particularly fond of his Tiffany Aching subseries.

The Silver Child, Silver City, and Silver World, by Cliff McNish. These were the books that inspired me to start writing my own short stories, because his fantasy world sooo matched the one in my head.

Dark Materials Trilogy, by Phillip Pullman. This is one of those series that if people actually read would get banned. But it’s amazing. It challenges commonly accepted social standards, and is a beautiful read.

Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keys. This was a book I saw an excerpt for in school text and became obsessed with. The idea of becoming a genius, just to lose it all was so interesting for me as a child, and changed the way I thought of intelligence.

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, by John Scieszka. I know this is a weird one. But this was a children’s book that taught me to challenge social norms and expectations. And the artwork had a wonderful Tim Burton feel. A great book to read with your kids.

The Mortal Instrument series, by Cassandra Clare. The most wonderful mix of Harry Potter and Twilight, but in a way that is neither. All the angst of a teen romance, but written with sense, experience and wisdom. An author that displays the entire spectrum of love proudly.