Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison on Instagram—began writing poetry when she was thirteen years old as a means of coping with her depression. A year later, she started posting it online, and what started as a personal way to combat mental illness eventually became an account with hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. Caroline grew up in Westchester, New York, and is currently in her freshman year at Harvard University. In the future, she hopes to attend medical school and continue growing as a writer.
“A young poet dips into the ink of her experience and writes her own light into existence.” — Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak “Caroline’s words are an honest, lyrical kick in the teeth.” — Amanda Lovelace, bestselling author of the princess saves herself in this one “Kaufman’s willingness to share and artfully articulate her vulnerability has already proved vitally important for the legions of followers she’s garnered as an “Instapoet,” and will now prove similarly validating and empowering for those teens who discover her work through print…. A top addition to YA poetry collections.” — School Library Journal (starred review) “Debut author Kaufman’s voice is authentic, and her experiences, feelings, and journey toward healing are convincing. This book could be a lifeline for survivors and provide insight for others.” — Kirkus Reviews “Her warmly conversational tone suggests assurance and solidarity with readers that she sees as allies in brave combat against overwhelming darkness.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books