About the Author

James Howe is the author of more than ninety books for young readers. Bunnicula, coauthored by his late wife Deborah and published in 1979, is considered a modern classic of children's literature. The author has written six highly popular sequels, along with the spinoff series Tales from the House of Bunnicula and Bunnicula and Friends. Among his other books are picture books such as Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores and beginning reader series that include the Pinky and Rex and Houndsley and Catina books. He has also written for older readers. The Misfits, published in 2001, inspired the nationwide antibullying initiative No Name-Calling Week, as well as three sequels, Totally Joe, Addie on the Inside, and Also Known as Elvis. A common theme in James Howe's books from preschool through teens is the acceptance of difference and being true to oneself. Visit him online at JamesHowe.com.

Reviews

Told entirely in verse, the story follows 13-year-old Addie's struggles to define herself according to her own terms. Through her poems, Addie reflects on her life and life in general: her first boyfriend, what it means to be accepted and her endeavors to promote equality.... Her forthright observations address serious topics with a maturity beyond her age.... Readers will agree when, in the triumphant final poem, an assured Addie proclaims: "I am a girl who knows enough / to know this life is mine."

--KIRKUS REVIEWS, June 1, 2011

Written in narrative verse that has the rhythm and punch of spoken-word poetry, this companion to The Misfits and Totally Joe intimately conveys the internal conflicts of seventh-grader Addie...Howe's artfully crafted lines show Addie's intelligence and wit, and his imagery evokes the aura of sadness surrounding this purgatory of/ the middle school years/ when so many things/ that never mattered before/ and will never matter again/ matter. Readers will empathize with Addie's anguish and admire her courage to keep fighting.

--Publishers Weekly, May 16, 2011, *STAR
"Howe completely captures what it is like to be a 13-year-old girl-the ups and downs, the emotional tightrope, the push/pull between childhood and growing up, and the power of gossip and school cliques. Addie negotiates the corridors of middle school with thoughtful determination; she's a young woman with a lot to say. Add this fine novel to the growing list of novels in verse."

--School Library Journal, August 2011, *STAR
"Howe explores the tender thrills and insecurities of early adolescence in first-person poems....Howe maintains a consistent voice...without compromising the heartfelt urgency of Addie's words. This exploration of Addie's struggles and reconciliations makes a strong addition to its companion titles and stands on its own as a compelling and moving story about growing up and out."

--Booklist, July 2011