Janet Fagal Poem in Children's Anthology I Am Someone Else

Janet Fagal has a new poem included in the Lee Bennett Hopkins-compiled anthology I Am Someone Else, Poems About Pretending. This children's anthology debuts in early July 2019. Renowned anthologist Bennett Hopkins invited Fagal to write a poem for his latest book,

Fagal shared her author's copy of the anthology at the April meeting of the CNY Branch of the NLAPW. I Am Someone Else--with poems by fifteen well-known children's poets, including former Children's Poet Laureate, J. Patrick Lewis and Newberry Medal winner Lois Lowry--is illustrated by Chris Hsu.

I Am Someone Else has been shared with elementary school children in Marcellus and Skaneateles. Fagal reports that the kids seem to like it. The anthology also received a very positive review from Kirkus Review in which the critic discussed the theme of the anthology and singled out Fagal's poem: "Words and pictures alike often upend stereotypes and gender norms. For example, a poem about pretending to be a mermaid by Janet Clare Fagal depicts a brown-skinned child with tight, close-cropped curls wearing a green, striped T-shirt as the voice of the poem, allowing children of varying gender identifications to see themselves. Hopkins’ introductory statement affirms that 'There is nothing better than being yourself,' which doesn’t undermine the title in the least since he goes on to affirm the fun in pretend play."

The anthology is currently available as a pre-order from Amazon.