Let's start by saying that we totally love this book—dust and all. The cover may look a bit drab, and the book probably isn't something a student (or adult) would pick up and read on their own, but, once inside, the story grabs you fast and hard and doesn't let go until you've finished the last poem. There's something about Billie Jo's character, the circumstances, and the descriptions that are very real.

And it's a quick read, which is an added bonus; though it's not always an easy read and can evoke strong emotions (we might have teared up once or twice). Death, despair, hunger, rage, pain – it's all there. Sometimes we wondered if it would be that way to the end. But no! Billie Jo triumphs by learning and changing, accepting and forgiving. This book really does have it all and lends itself really well to discussions and making connections between the book and the reader or the real world.