(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