I assume this is inspired by Neruda's Odes to Common Things, but I do hope, when I get a chance to read that, I'll like it better. ?áThis was just 'blah' imo. ?áThe poems are verse-shaped anecdotes; they don't come alive with metaphor, allusion, imagery, or lovely language. ?áThey are not in the least memorable. ( )

This is a small volume of short, delightful poems by master Latino writer Gary Soto. In turns exhuberant and thoughtful, Soto writes of common everyday things - his pets, fireworks, Sunday afternoons in the park - things we can all relate to, told in the simple language of a young boy growing up in an Hispanic neighborhood. Kids will see themselves reflected in these lively snapshots of Soto's childhood. ( )

Ditto miksmom review. ( )