Young Natalie is a self-proclaimed poet who is confident of her writing but can’t imagine reading any of her poems out loud. When her poetry teacher, red-beret-clad Monica, invites Natalie to share her work at a reading, Natalie bravely makes an attempt. But she just can’t do it. “I feel like a bird who’s lost its voice, and like a bird I wish to fly far, far away to the top of the tallest tree.” The young girl’s devastation is palpable. But on the bus ride home, she is inspired. “Everything I see suggests a poem...I feel like a bird about to sing. 'Can I read my poem to you?’ I whisper to Monica.” Brown-skinned Natalie’s triumph on the Number 27 bus is witnessed by fellow poets-in-transit, marking a joyous moment as a young writer finds the courage to share her voice. Laura Nyman Montenegro’s engaging first-person narrative and inspired gouache illustrations are a celebration of the creative spirit. (Ages 5–8)

For Natalie, writing poetry is fun. But reciting poetry out loud, IN FRONT OF OTHER PEOPLE, is not. So when Natalie s poetry teacher takes her to a reading, Natalie is nervous. Shy. And ready to fly away. How will she muster the courage it takes to share her verse in front of an audience? Here is one young writer s story that sets free a bird about to sing."