Definitely for children 10 and above,
It is a nice collection and has a few great poems. All of them are on important or interesting themes, and teen audiences can find something and relate to it. It is also well-presented.

Matt Goodfellow knows how to write from an older child's perspective. This anthology of poems is profound. Not only are these poems about trying to navigate through high school but they are about home-life as well. They are about self-discovery, peers, teachers and parents.

These poems will have you smiling: "I look like a muppet." Others are thought-provoking: "We're the ones who've seen too much." Poems such as Rugby Club will make you laugh out loud - "What a stupid game." And the poem Lost Boy certainly hits hard.

This book will take you on a rather bumpy ride from Year 7 all the way through to to the finish line at Year 11, on the journey that is called high school.

I was a huge fan of The Final Year and was excited to read this new collection of poems which plots the course of secondary school life.

Covering all the milestones, through making new friends, teachers good (and not!), family issues and first loves, and using different types of poetry throughout, it is a very accessible and appealing collection for that slightly older audience. Told in an authentic voice, it touches on all the nuances of that time which will be a great companion for those that are about to embark on this journey, as well as a chance to reminisce for those already through it.

I enjoyed it so much I have actually read through it about 3 times and had a different favourite each time! Highly recomended!

This a really good collection of poems that I think would be a great read for anyone in high school.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

Our year 6s adored The Final Year and I am delighted there is now a poetry book they will relate to in secondary. Matt Goodfellow’s writing seems effortless and flows from the page perfectly capturing different emotions and situations that young people will relate to.

This new collection from Matt Goodfellow, aimed at a slightly older audience, feels vibrant, real and true. This truly is a great poetry collection for teenagers.
Emma Perry