Swimming Upstream: Middle School Poems

The ups and downs of the middle school experience are explored in these poems by award-winning poet Kristine O'Connell George 

“Engaging.” —The Bulletin 

“Sweet and on key.” —Booklist 

“From humorous to angst-ridden, this collection offers verses that will captivate your pre-teen.” —Scholastic.com 

The first year of middle school brings an array of new experiences and challenges. Award-winning poet Kristine O’Connell George’s short, accessible poems are complemented by lively illustrations and will evoke the most memorable moments of the school year.

* “Readers facing this upstream swim [or] toweling themselves off afterwards will find much they relate to in this engaging volume." 

—The Bulletin, starred review 

“Kristine O'Connell George can do more with a small handful of words than most any poet around.” 

—Riverbank Review 

“The mysteries of lockers and uncontrolled giggling are plumbed; as is the rapture of the boy you like liking you back. . . . Sweet and on key." 

—Booklist 

“Middle school, with all its trials, tribulations, and triumphs, is portrayed humorously and poignantly. . . . Students will relate to this voice navigating ‘upstream,’ while they try to find their own place in the middle-school wilderness.” 

—SLJ