Reviews

"Ann Bracken has a special gift for seeing below the surface of both people and institutions. In her title poem, she confronts a behavioral method that tests compliance of staff and students with paper rewards cut into the shape of dog bones. In contrast, the poem 'Marcus Speaks' rewards readers with the success of a 'wounded Puppy' who finally discovers his human voice. ―Patricia Jakovich VanAmburg, Professor Emerita, Howard Community College "Ann Bracken's poems from the teacher's viewpoint enlighten, and in speaking with the students' diverse voices truly shine. These are perspectives that belong in the discourse on issues in education. Bracken reminds us that educational statistics and data points represent living, breathing, unique and precious human beings. This is a compelling collection from an advocate for those in the classroom." ―Mindy Abbott, BSW, M.Ed., poet, author and former elementary school teacher "In Bracken's hands, poetry becomes a peculiarly effective way to convey the reality of the classroom. Individual poems are intensely focused on a single person, giving a voice to those whose voices are rarely heard. Together these poems create an unforgettable mosaic of the experience of teaching adolescents, whether they are learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, or stressed in other ways." -Barbara Morrison, poet, writer, teacher, and author of the poetry collections, Terrarium and Here at Least