ISBN: 978-1536219791

Buy on Bookshop

Buy on Amazon

Poems selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Illustrated by Olivia Sua

Candlewick Books

In addition to drawing from previously published works, the anthologists issued an open call for submissions. First-time published poets appear alongside Emily Dickinson, Nikki Grimes, Joseph Bruchac, Janet Wong, and more. The unifying theme yields ruminations both sky-high and intimately observed. The work opens with Latham and Waters' poem "Welcome," followed by 29 entries divided into four sections. Amy Ludwig VanDerwater suggests that learning the name, markings, and song of "just one bird" can be transformative. "You will feel big and small at once / if you learn the name of just one bird." Two poems examine youngsters' nighttime fears in distinct ways. Siv Cedering's "If a Bad Dream Comes" reimagines the child's bed as a protective house, while Teresa Owens Smith's "Opening Windows" urges an expansive reaction to sleeplessness: "Search the dark sea of the night sky. / Your dreams are hiding there. / …Grab the stars and let moonlight dance inside you." Lacresha Berry harnesses powerful, self-affirming imagery: "If I imagine / sunlight made me / my soul soars / like a blackbird / chirping in celebration / of my midnight wings / without anyone / telling me / I am too dark / to be related / to the sun." Sua's charming mixed-media illustrations, which make wonderful use of collage, echo and extend the poets' imagery, depicting oft-joyous children with varied skin tones and hair textures.

A fresh, appealing anthology that celebrates the freedom inherent in possibility. (editors' note, copyright acknowledgments) (Poetry. 6-9)

Publisher's Weekly
This hopeful poetry collection edited by The Mistakes That Made Us collaborators Latham and Waters examines how one builds self-confidence through adventure (and a little bit of magic). Showcasing the work of 31 contemporary and historical poets, including Emily Dickinson, Nikki Grimes, and the volume's editors, this cozy work, divided into four categories—Everyday Magic, The Power of You, Kinfolk and Companions, Anything Is Possible—invites children to "unlock the door to possibility" and dream about the power of "if." Stanzas such as "If means there is no limit,/ If means forget before,/ If means all is possible/ Because if means the world is yours" from JaNay Brown-Wood's "The Gift of If" encourage readers to push the boundaries of their imagination and strive for the impossible, while imaginative language ripe with whimsy ("Grab the stars and let moonlight dance inside you," from Teresa Owens Smith's "Opening Windows") bring a playful edge to the assemblage. Cut-paper and painted-mosaic illustrations by Sua (Uno Más, One More)—rendered in a muted color palette that conveys calm tranquility—reinforce the positive messaging with folk art–like warmth. Characters are depicted with varying skin tones. Ages 7-10. Authors' agent: Rosemary Stimola, Stimola Literary Studio. Illustrator's agent: Taylor Martindale-Kean, Full Circle Literary. (Mar.)

2-5–This sparkling collection of 30 short poems urges readers to look closely, listen carefully, and ponder connections to the world around us. Joseph Bruchac’s “If We Listen” advises that by listening to the birds and “the bright life/ all around,” readers may find their “own hymn.” Eric Ode’s “If You Have a Pencil” muses that a pencil leads to a poem, a story, adventurous play amid a tower of cardboard boxes, and concludes that when paired with a smile, “you just might make a friend.” The poems stress connections with friends and loved ones, and the powerful possibilities within us. Lacresha Berry’s “If I Imagine Sunlight Made Me” delivers a powerful message of self-affirmation in just 11 lines of free verse. Well-crafted mixed media illustrations add to the mood and layers of meaning. VERDICT This thoughtful collection rewards repeat readings, begs to be shared or read aloud, and will resonate with a wide audience of readers and educators. Reviewed by Marilyn Taniguchi, Feb 01, 2025

Booklist

Gr. 2–4. 811.6 Compiled from both published sources and an open call on social media, the short, mostly free verse poems in this slender collection explore the potential of “if” to “unlock / the door to Possibility.” Emily Dickinson reflects that if “I can stop one Heart from breaking / I shall not live in vain,” Nikki Grimes envisions a "flight of mind” if “I shatter the wall / between dream and / what might be,” and Joseph Bruchac suggests that “you may find / your own hymn” by listening carefully to the birds. Though most of the other contributors will be less familiar to readers, all offer similar levels of insight and promise, from the many things that can be created with just a pencil to the joys of visiting Grandma, catching a wishing fish, or sharing intimate moments with a friend. Sua combines painted and cut-paper shapes into dreamy scenes of young people looking contemplative in peaceful settings. “If,” Georgia Heard writes, “is a wise word, / a wishing word, / a winged word / that flies in the blue.” It could take young audiences almost anywhere—if they’re willing to let it.

Laura Purdie Salas

Salt City Verse