Light Filters In: Poems

In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence, this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation @poeticpoison perfectly captures the human experience. 

In Light Filters In, Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—does what she does best: reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling “how to be happy,” and ultimately figuring out who you are.

This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline's account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters In will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.

it’s okay if some things

are always out of reach.

if you could carry all the stars

in the palm of your hand,

they wouldn’t be

“"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."”

“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

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. 

it's okay if some things are always out of reach. if you could carry all the stars in the palm of your hand, they wouldn't be half as breathtaking. With raw honesty and emotion, Light Filters In captures the varied, wondrous moments that define what it means to be human: giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling "how to be happy," figuring out who you want to be. In this powerful collection of poems, Instagram sensation Caroline Kaufman reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time.

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