Poetry Friday: Announcing a LAST FIFTH GRADE Book Vine

H A P P Y  H A L L O W E E N

Carving by Dan Szczepanski 

Hey, all you trick or treaters, head to Jone MacCulloch's house for some poetry goodies. She's left the lights on at Check It Out, so you know it's safe to ring the doorbell.

I've been away from the Poetry Friday party for a few weeks, but I'm making it up to you with something extra special. THE LAST FIFTH GRADE OF EMERSON ELEMENTARY is going on an ARC tour!

Cover Snark called THE LAST FIFTH GRADE
"rather macabre." Now Mr. Poe wants to read it
to find out if she was serious. (She wasn't.)

I'm so grateful for everyone in the Poetry Friday community who has followed the progress of my middle grade novel-in-verse and cheered me on over the years. The book doesn't come out until April 12, but here is your chance for a sneak peek.

I'm sending THE LAST FIFTH GRADE on a book vine, especially for Poetry Friday bloggers. You'll find the sign-up form by clicking on THIS LINK. Simply fill out the form to participate. Once twelve people have signed up, I will contact everyone by email with the details.

And here is a Halloween poem that was cut from the book -- a special little Halloween treat just between us ghouls.

Halloween

By Brianna Holmes

My favorite day is Halloween.

I get to be a wicked queen,

a princess who’s got lots of cash,

a zombie dancing Monster Mash.

I’ll be a vampire, dressed in black,

blood on my sleeves, lace down my back

and make the little kids afraid,

marching in the school parade.

I’ll trick or treat in neighborhoods

where it’s safe and the candy’s good.

I thought Hannah would go with me

if I made her a witch’s dress for free.

But she said Halloween is dumb

walking ‘til your feet are numb,

lugging all the treats you’re taking,

eating ‘til your stomach’s aching.

What’s up with her? How can it be?

I thought Hannah was just like me.

P.S. Are you checking out the cover to see which character is Brianna? She's in the bottom row in her snazzy beret.

P.P.S. Check out yesterday's post for a very cool pairing of a book (Jeff Garvin's SYMPTOMS OF BEING HUMAN) and a poem by one of the HUMANS OF NEW YORK. Your teens will thank you.