Tomorrow We Begin
Publisher: Bloomsbury
‘Nobody ever told me there was a space called poetry where I could find a shape for all the thoughts I carried.’
Matt Goodfellow, winner of the CLiPPA 2024 with The Final Year, is back with another well-aimed arrow of a book which shoots straight to the heart of the teenage condition. His first-person poetry narrates the journey of a boy navigating the highs and lows of secondary school – from a first day of long sleeves and clumpy shoes to burning textbooks on graduation.
The poems vary in style, structure, and theme, but all share a remarkably accurate and often visceral child voice. Matt’s ability to relay the emotional turmoil of school is supported by his experiences as a teacher and from his own childhood.
It should be noted that this book contains swear words and includes content which readers may find challenging. However, while difficult themes are addressed, they are explored sensitively and with plenty of lightness to balance the darker moments.
This is a sensational and emotive book of poetry which will strike a chord with teenagers everywhere. It is a great example of the power of poetry as a form of expression for young people.
