Jack thinks poetry is for girls.  Or at least, he’s not sure HE can write any.  But his English teacher makes the whole class keep a journal during their poetry unit, and as the assignment goes on, he slowly begins to appreciate not just reading famous poems (selections of which are included in his journal), but also writing his own.  This book was written by Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, and is followed by the equally-enjoyable sequel, Hate That Cat.

(Spoiler – one of Jack’s best poems is about something sad that happened to him.  If you’re easily upset, read this one at your own risk!)