Carry on - by Various Contributors (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Originally published in French as Bagages, Carry On began in a high school in Outremont, Quebec, where author and poet Simon Boulerice conducted creative-writing workshops for young newcomers to Canada. As the students began writing, their poems gave voice to their reflections on leaving family, friends, and countries of origin to make new homes and connections in Canada. Boulerice collected several of the students' poems to create this anthology. Throughout the collection, feelings of sorrow, loss, and anxiety find expression alongside emotions of anticipation, gratitude, and hope as the resilient young writers grapple with questions such as: What is home? Who am I? What does the future hold? Metaphors paint vivid pictures of the students' experiences: feeling the "bite of snow" for the first time, seeking comfort "like steaming hot chocolate" from new people, and embracing a new reality by "slashing my chrysalis." The poems are paired with expressive portraits painted by award-winning and prolific artist Rogâe, who is the illustrator of many children's books, and who had wanted to create images of immigrants. Award-winning literary translator Susan Ouriou, who also translated two Poppy & Sam books, crafted the English text. Carry On, with its soft palette and evocative portraiture, is a tribute to human resilience as it makes space for the voices of newcomers and creates empathy for all those who wonder about their place in the world."--

Book Synopsis

A moving #OwnVoices poetry collection written by young newcomers to Canada
Carry On began in a high school in Outremont, Quebec, where author and poet Simon Boulerice conducted creative-writing workshops for young newcomers to Canada. As the students began writing, their poems gave voice to their reflections on leaving family, friends, and countries of origin to make new homes and connections in their new home, Canada.
Paired with expressive portraits by award-winning artist Rogé, each young writer reflects on the experience of leaving one home for another. The collection of poems express feelings of anxiety, sorrow, anticipation, gratitude, and hope for the future. With thoughtful verse and evocative illustrations, Carry On is a tribute to human resilience, the voices of newcomers, and creating empathy for all those who wonder about their place in the world.

Review Quotes

"Carry On not only gives the metaphorical microphone to those with lived experiences, but also reinforces the idea that an immigrant or refugee doesn't look a certain way."

-- "The Tiny Activist"

"A compelling look at the lives and feelings of student immigrants... A strong choice."-- "School Library Journal"

"A sensitive and heartfelt voicing of the immigrant experience."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"It was amazing to read all the different places the students were coming from and trying to picture their experience."-- "Youth Services Book Review"

"Showcases the diverse perspectives of young immigrants... Small but mighty."-- "Quill & Quire"

"This collection can serve as a model for similar writing endeavors with immigrant communities or simply as a way for recent immigrants to process their own journeys."-- "Booklist"