A third grade classroom is the setting for Karen English’s collection of poems offering glimpses into the lives of some of the students. Some shine, and some struggle. There are disagreements and hurt feelings, proud moments, and poignant, sometimes heartbreaking looks at the truths they need to tell, whether or not they are real (“My real daddy’s coming for me after school / To buy me whatever I want / To take me in his arms / Drive me all around / Show me off . . . “). Authentic and childlike, each poem does indeed invite readers to listen between the lines, to attempt to understand more fully the child behind the words that have been spoken. (Ages 6–9)

Six voices from an inner-city classroom

In a series of candid free-form poems, Karen English presents the thoughts of six third-grade children in one day and one classroom at an inner-city public school. Malcolm is the central observer, but also a dreamer. Rica has turned eight today, and her real father will be picking her up later. Brianna is upset because Rica has given over "best friend" status to Neecy. There's Lamont, who aspires to be teacher's pet, and Tyrell, a kid bound for trouble from the moment he arrives.

Inspired by her own experience as an elementary school teacher, Ms. English captures voices that reflect a range of emotion and interest children will easily identify with, and Amy June Bates's watercolors breathe pictorial life into the characters.