(3) 4-6 In 1954 Detroit, twelve-year-old Marjorie Campbell knows that the U.S. is in a "cold war," but it can be hard to tell who the enemy is. When classmates start a "slam book" about a new German student, Marjorie is torn. Her authentic first-person voice guides readers through the confusion of the McCarthy era by thoughtfully examining perception and truth. An author's note adds context. Bib.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Karen Sandstrom. Forty-four short poems explore the nuances of friendship. The poems, some funny, some serious, recognize and respect the intensity and sensitivity of young relationships; a few of them lean toward preachiness. Side notes printed in word bubbles discuss the craft of poetry and provide jumping-off ideas for writing. The digital line drawings come across a little more juvenile than the text.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Karen Sandstrom. Mostly humorous poems about school--with and without zombies--serve as examples for writing tips and prompts provided by Holbrook. The earnest and detailed advice (in sidebars) may get young poets started, but some of the actual poems are surprisingly heavy-handed, given the subject matter; more zombies and less explanation would have been welcome. Digital spot art appears throughout.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) YA Poems alternating from male and female perspectives capture the joys, struggles, and loss of teenage love. That first meaningful look, subsequent giddy excitement, passionate disagreements, and eventual breakup are all chronicled using a variety of poetic forms. Teen readers will surely see themselves in these poems, finding reassurance as well as solace. Dramatic black-and-white digital spot art and photographs accompany the pieces.

Reviewer: Aishah Abdul-Musawwir

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Scott Mattern. This collection features forty short, often humorous, usually rhyming, sometimes clunky poems about feelings familiar to most preteens: in "Labels," it's noted that "You can't know me by just a look, / you have to take a taste"; in "Sorry," the need to apologize "follows like my shadow, / fastened at the heels." Small and comical if perhaps too-literal black-and-white sketches illustrate each poem. Ind.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) 4-6 Focusing on performance rather than on creation, this text offers solid pointers on bringing motion and emotion to poetry readings and describes how to hold a poetry contest. Holbrook works too hard at conveying her energy and enthusiasm, and while her own poems are offered as subjects for oral interpretation, readers will want to apply her performance techniques to other, less banal verse.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam