Boston Herald
If these high voltage poems don't get you writing, we don't know what will.
Boston Herald
If these high voltage poems don't get you writing, we don't know what will.
Nashville Tennesean
Girls who read the book...will find validation when they read that others have the same questions, cares and concerns...
Publishers Weekly
Divided into sections such as "Society's Ills," "Crushed" and "Why Me?," the more than 60 poems included in Angst!: Teen Verses from the Edge edited by Karen Tom, illus. by Matt Frost, explore teens' thoughts and frustrations in their own words. From "Multiracial in a Small Town" to "The Whinings of a Middle-Class White Girl" to "Ode to Narcissus," the verses cover a wide range of viewpoints; a final chapter, "Poetry 101," defines different kinds of poetry and invites readers to try their hand at rhyme and meter. ( Apr.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
VOYA
"Poets make the world go round... and without these people there would be nothing but the regimented world of 'Produce and Acquire,' and this place would absolutely suck." So states the introduction to this totally hip volume of teen poetry submitted by girls from around the world who are dedicated to "winning the revolution against tedium and absolute apathy." The poems are grouped together by subject into six chapters with apt titles such as "Society's Ills," "Argh! I Hate You!" and "Love and Deep Thoughts." The illustrations and layout are eye-catching, do not detract from the text, and will capture a teen's interest immediately. The final chapter introduces the art of poetry with a glossary of simple to advanced poetic terms that are explained clearly and succinctly using examples from the poems in the book. In trying to explain poetry and encourage readers to write their own, the book includes several blank spaces in which to record poetic thoughts and many fill-in-the-blank opportunities for do-it-yourself onomatopoeia and haiku—great for stirring up the creative juices but maybe not so great for library collections. Nevertheless high school girls with an ax to grind, whether they write poetry or not, will enjoy this book. Glossary. Illus. Biblio. Further Reading. VOYA CODES: 3Q 4P S (Readable without serious defects; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2001, Workman, 113p, $8.95 Trade pb. Ages 15 to 18. Reviewer: Blayne Tuttle Borden SOURCE: VOYA, February 2002 (Vol. 24, No.6)
School Library Journal
Gr 8 Up-This collection of poetry derives from the Web site PlanetKiki.com, and the editor has done a fine job of maintaining its hard-edged feel in a print medium. With the look of a fanzine and the uncensored flavor of an Internet chat room (there's some strong language here), the selections, written by teen girls, will no doubt find an audience due to the quick pacing, fresh look, and offbeat attitude. This is poetry on the verge with trash-talking verse about crushes, rumors, multiracial issues, smoking, and individuality. Sections titled "Society's Ills" and "Argh! I Hate You!" appropriately encompass the pieces within. There are no poetic triumphs here, but that hardly matters. This is slam-bam, hard-hitting verse that may be just what today's teens can relate to. The editor includes a useful, playful appendix titled "Poetry 101," a guide to different styles of poetry (haiku, limericks, cinquains) and poetry conventions (alliteration, meter, metaphor). The book is irreverent enough that it just might convince those who traditionally shun poetry to give it a second glance.-Sharon Korbeck, Waupaca Area Public Library, WI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
