Olufolakemi S., Glen Burnie High School
"Carry On Poetry by Young Immigrants" is a collection of poems from young immigrants who have moved from their home countries to Canada. In this book, the immigrants use poetry to describe the shift from their lives in their home country to their new home, bringing up the new contrast in their lives. The poems use straightforward language, which creates a deep understanding between the writer and the reader.
My favorite aspect of the book is that the writers don't focus on the things they left behind. Dowoo Kim from South Korea embraces being able to learn a new language and make new friends and family, creating an uplifting and positive outlook. This book is excellent at hinting at how recent some of the experiences are. Arad Panahi from Iran mentions speaking with family over FaceTime. This brings writer and reader closer together through shared experiences. At first, the book will make you feel pitiful for the hardships these people have to face, but as you progress through the book, you will begin to feel the heartwarming effects of the writers describing the positive aspects of their new journey.
I would like the poems to be longer. It would also be better if the authors gave any background information about themselves before each poem.
I would recommend this book to older readers who prefer books/poems that are more straightforward, with not many hidden meanings, and that they can also relate to, to some degree.
Click here to check out "Carry On Poetry by Young Immigrants"