Poems written in this book are targeted specifically for boys about such topics that they would enjoy. There are poems about science, sports, school, nature and more. This book would be great for a reluctant reader of poetry. The topics are interesting and the poetry is easy to read and understand. This book could be very useful to a teacher who wants to help get students interested in poetry. It could be used as an introduction into a poetry section. ( )

Peg Glisson (Children's Literature)
While the first ten poems in this nearly pocket-sized book are about sports, the remaining thirty-plus cover a variety of topics, including a haircut, a firefly, different seasons, playground showdown, ants, eternity, family, death, and dreams. Using a variety of rhymes, rhythms, free verse, descriptive words, humor and gravity, Ghigna captures where teen boys (and girls) live. The book's design--clear font, simple black and white pictures, crisp black accent line on each page, lots of white space--make this perfect for those who don't want to draw attention to the fact that they are reading poetry! In his introduction, Ghigna addresses his dislike of poetry as a young adult. X.J. Kennedy's conversational foreword also promotes giving poetry a try. After all, "Just when you think/you are done with it/the poem turns on you/charges back for more, pricks you with its finer points..." While aimed at teen boys, there is much here for girls and even some for younger children. 2003, Wordsong/Boyds Mills, $16.95 and $6.95. Ages 12 to 16.