Customer Reviews

What I Believe

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This story of children affected by a drastic change in their family's income is a unique and timely one. Teens who have gone or are going through the difficulties of massive transition precipitated by forces outside of their control will relate to Vicki's struggles.

Mazer's use of a breadth of poetic forms is impressive. Equally impressive, she doesn't compromise depth of feeling or characterization as she weaves her story from Vicki's poems and reflections. This book communicates -- originally and without didacticism -- that although everything doesn't always work out how we want it to, we can keep loving each other in all our imperfection. Admitting our errors is the only way to find peace and resolution. If we don't, we don't allow ourselves to receive the love and support we need from family and friends.

Sara, who becomes Vicki's new friend, is an especially likeable character, and one of my favorite poems in this book was "Sara Stuns Me with Three Questions." As a biracial person, I loved discovering a character whose looks belie her racial identity!

Mazer has delivered another solid book for young people that can be enjoyed by adults, too. Don't be surprised if you're inspired to try writing some poetry after reading What I Believe.