The Mistakes That Made Us: Confessions from Twenty Poets

Coming October 1, 2024

ISBN: 978-1728492100

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Poems selected by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Illustrated by Mercè López

Carolrhoda Books

Whoops! Ack! Darn it! Twenty brave poets share real-life blunders they made as young people. With a wide range of mistakes and a diverse group of poets, this anthology speaks to a wide audience.

A Junior Library Guild selection

"Comforting reminders that nobody's perfect, infused with lessons large and small."
Kirkus

"An anthology packed with a broad spectrum of human emotion and experience."
Publisher's Weekly STARRED REVIEW

"Charming and insightful... A gentle reminder of the stepping stones making up the path to growth, discovery, and creativity."
Booklist STARRED REVIEW

"This accessible, well-tuned collection of poetry will reassure and delight young readers in equal measure."
School Library Journal

Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award List (PA)

ALA Notable Children's Book

Children's Literature Assembly Notable Book in Language Arts

Evanston Public Library's 101 Great Books for Kids of 2024

2025 NCTE Notable Poetry Book

School Library Journal's 8 Poetry Books for Dreamers, Animal Lovers, and Mistake-Makers

Betsy Bird's 2024 Poetry Books for Kids List

Interview with Irene & Charles at Read Your World

Irene shares what it's like to be a poetry anthologist.

Video interview with Irene and Charles... plus some contributors share their poems.