A masterful poetic exploration of the impact of Matthew Shepard's murder on the world. On the night of October 6, 1998, a gay twenty-one-year-old college student named Matthew Shepard was kidnapped from a Wyoming bar by two young men, savagely beaten, tied to a remote fence, and left to die. Gay Awareness Week was beginning at the University of Wyoming, and the keynote speaker was Lesléa Newman, discussing her book Heather Has Two Mommies. Shaken, the author addressed the large audience that gathered, but she remained haunted by Matthew's murder. October Mourning, a novel in verse, is her deeply felt response to the events of that tragic day. Using her poetic imagination, the author creates fictitious monologues from various points of view, including the fence Matthew was tied to, the stars that watched over him, the deer that kept him company, and Matthew himself. More than a decade later, this stunning cycle of sixty-eight poems serves as an illumination for readers too young to remember, and as a powerful, enduring tribute to Matthew Shepard's life. Back matter includes an epilogue, an afterword, explanations of poetic forms, and resources.

The perfect graduation gift: a wry look at the pleasures and anxieties of leaving home, penned with Judith Viorst's trademark blend of insight and humor. Millions of young people grew up with Viorst's bestselling children's book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." Now they can take her tongue-in-cheek advice for the next stage in their lives. Warm, funny, compassionate, and reassuring, "You're Officially a Grown-Up" describes -- in verse and illustrations -- all those terrifying but eagerly anticipated freedoms that go hand in hand with venturing out on your own and trying to make your way in the world. Ranging from the quandaries of giving up room, board, and the keys to the Ford to the thrills of playing by your own rules, Viorst will touch a nostalgic chord in those "official" grown-ups who have loved her other books about life's milestones. This special keepsake -- written from a loving parent's perspective -- is just the ticket high school and college graduates need for a one-way passage to adulthood.

"The Fairy Green" is an ancient Children's poetry story book written by Rose Fyleman. This amazing story comes within the delusion and fairy story genres, taking young readers on a fable adventure through a wonderful the world complete of fairies, goblins, and other terrific animals. Fyleman's fabulous writing and ingenious storytelling take site visitors to the inexperienced lands of the Fairy Green, wherein wooded area sprites dance below the whole moon and depraved elves play tricks on unsuspecting vacationers. Each of the poems in the collection is a little works of art, full with shiny imagery and charming characters that pique the curiosity and excite the senses. "The Fairy Green" is a ways greater than a collection of poems; it's far a gateway to the lovely women of nature and the strength of the thoughts. Fyleman's eternal memories remind visitors of the importance of marvel and enchantment in some surroundings wherein humans are all too frequently distracted through the commonplace. Through its whimsical appealing people and ageless enchantment, "The Fairy Green" has charmed readers of each technology, motivating destiny generations to trust within the magic that exists simply backstage of fact.

Internationally renowned author Jane Yolen has composed a sequence of tough, angry, and moving love poems that express grief and gratitude for her late husband David, as witness to his treatment for and passing from cancer, and the ongoing loss that is felt years after his death. In one poem, Yolen--a prize-winning poet, speaks of his "shallow bird breath/beating beneath the cage of his chest bones." In another: "Do not help me to forget./Help me to remember." And in a third: You have gone before me into winter, Into spring, into summer, somehow A consummate time traveler I can never catch up to, Always a season ahead. Jane Yolen , often called "the Hans Christian Andersen of America," is the author of over three hundred books, including Owl Moon , The Devil's Arithmetic , and How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight . The books range from rhymed picture books and baby board books through middle grade fiction, poetry collections, nonfiction, novels, and story collections for young adults and adults, and two books of adult poetry. Her books and stories have won two Nebula Awards, a World Fantasy Award, a Caldecott Medal, the Golden Kite Award, three Mythopoeic awards, two Christopher Medals, a nomination for the National Book Award, and the Jewish Book Award. She is also the winner (for body of work) of the Kerlan Award, the World Fantasy Association Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Catholic Library's Regina Medal.