Carry On

In this collection of contemporary poems, students were given a voice to express their feelings on leaving their homelands to start a new life in Canada. The poems often straddle two worlds to find truth in their experiences of new beginnings, border crossings, leaving friends and family, feelings of being different, and homesickness.
The gorgeous portraits by award-winning artist Rogé add another layer of richness by putting a face to the feelings of sadness, worry, gratitude, and the longing of acceptance.
This book should be in every school library.

This was a hauntingly beautiful collection of poetry from some young people who are putting their own experiences with immigration down on the page. There was sadness, anxiety, hope, and more - perfectly encapsulated into bite-sized poems. I applaud the bravery and resiliency of these young people and hope they continue exploring poetic expression.

Through image and text, a range of authors speak to lived experiences of refugees. Challenge, perservance, and empathy punctuate this book -- well worth reading and sharing with others.

“I am a girl from China/
Before I left/
I was a young bird in a cage One day through a porthole A never-seen landscape Forests, mountains, blue sky/
Reaching Montreal/
I emerge” - Shuning Dou (China)

Carry On is a collection of poetry by young immigrant poets, newly calling Canada their home. It began in a high school in Outremont, Quebec in a creative-writing workshop hosted by author and poet Simon Boulerice. The poems are paired with portraits by the artist Rogé, highlighting the emotive, intimate experience of each young person.

Striking, heartfelt, and moving, Carry On allowed me to experience the hardships and triumphs of those moving from their homeland to Canada. I appreciated the honesty - the anxieties, the struggles, and the hardships - in each of the pieces. Despite the difficulties expressed by each of the poets, there is an overwhelming sense of hope for the future and a growing into the feeling of belonging. I thought it was touching to be able to look at each poet’s portrait and read their words as I pursued a relationship with them as a reader.

This collection of poetry and art is stunning. As an educator, I think it is important for young people to see other young artists and creators express themselves and share it with the world. I really do hope that each of these young poets continue to express themselves in words. This collection of own voices pieces belongs shelved with the great poets of our time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for the opportunity to read and review this collection.

A beautiful poetry collection written by high school students about their experiences immigrating to Canada. The brief poems are haunting, hopeful, and beautiful. The poems are accompanied by gorgeous water color portraits of each student. This would be a great collection to share with students.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

Carry On is a moving, heartfelt collection of poetry by young newcomers to Canada. Originally for a creative-writing workshop, the poems reflect on their experiences relating to leaving behind their countries of origin, friends, and families. Through their words, the poets express fears, anxieties, and hopes. The accompanying portraits add to the contemplative and, at times, melancholy vibe of the collection. Despite the pain and sorrow that resonates through many of the poems, you can feel the students’ anticipation and hope for the future. I think that society in general has a tendency to underestimate the emotional depth and intelligence of young people. This collection was a firm reminder of just how powerful and insightful their voices can be. Thanks to Owl Kids Books and NetGalley for generously providing an ARC.

"Carry On" is a beautiful collection of poems written by newcomer immigrant students in Canada during a writing workshop. Originally written in French, and translated into English, these poems are a great example of talent and resilience. The art style of the portraits of the students pairs very well with the tone of the poems, and the art and words blend beautifully to create a gorgeous little book.

Professionally, I work with ELL (English Language Learner) students in USA and I could see a lot of their feelings reflected in this book. I believe this book will mean a lot to many newcomer students in different countries, as the feelings of sadness over leaving an old life behind, of anxiety over changes, and of newfound hope and resilience are universal to all people. I am looking forward to sharing this book with my ELL students when it is published. In the meantime, thank you to both NetGalley and OwlKids Books for the digital e-arc in exchange for my honest review.