This collection is the third book in a series and contains sixty poems by Gordon Alexander. As in the previous two poetry collections, the writer continues with his approach using astute perceptions expressed with artful rhyming. Each poem is titled with a single word and does not intend to lure the reader into any special meaning. Instead, the poems are straight forward reflecting a personal awareness, exploration, and expressions of truth or experience. Clear and concise, the words mean exactly what they say as the author creatively plays with the rhythmic consonants and musical tones of vowels that embellish the topic. The author’s inspiration comes from personal observations witnessed from afar or in conversation with people known and unknown. The topics are broad in nature; some humorous, some poignant and philosophical. One of the strengths of the poet’s writing is the universality of content that makes them accessible, entertaining, and almost educational at times. This poetry collection does not require any chronological order to read and enjoy the poems, making it suitable for short or long poetic reflections that give all readers freedom and flexibility. To date, Gordon Alexander has written and published over 200 poems and has joined the ranks of American poets from the country’s midwestern region. His style is reminiscent of Ogden Nash’s word play in poetry complemented with strains of older Scottish poet Gerald Manley Hopkins who used the rhythm of ordinary speech. In the end, reading these poems will heighten everyone’s appreciation of the power of words, as well as encourage more personal presence in life that transforms even the most ordinary moment into a revelation. Catherine Thompson Other books by Gordon Alexander Rhymes and Reflections © 2020 Gordon Alexander Published by Outskirts Press More Rhymes and Reflections © 2021 Gordon Alexander Published by Outskirts Press For more information visit: gordonalexanderpoet.com

“Readers will be riveted.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) The Ethan I Was Before is an award-winning story of love and loss, wonder and adventure, and ultimately of hope. Lost in the Sun meets The Thing About Jellyfish in Ali Standish’s breathtaking debut. A poignant middle grade novel of friendship and forgiveness, this is a classic in the making. Ethan had been many things. He was always ready for adventure and always willing to accept a dare, especially from his best friend, Kacey. But that was before. Before the accident that took Kacey from him. Before his family moved from Boston to the small town of Palm Knot, Georgia. Palm Knot may be tiny, but it’s the home of possibility and second chances. It’s also home to Coralee, a girl with a big personality and even bigger stories. Coralee may be just the friend Ethan needs, except Ethan isn’t the only one with secrets. Coralee’s are catching up with her, and what she’s hiding might be putting both their lives at risk. Don't miss Ali Standish's captivating new novel, August Isle, hitting shelves Winter 2019! Okra Pick (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance) * Indie Introduce Pick * Indie Next Pick * Goodreads Choice Award Semifinalist * Carnegie Medal Longlist Title * Southern Book Prize Longlist Title * A Bank Street Best Book of the Year * A Children's Book Review Best Book of the Year * Georgia Children's Book Award Nominee * Recipient of the North Carolina Young People's Literature Award

Yellow hates Red, so does Green, and no one likes Orange! Can these crayons quit arguing and learn to cooperate? Shane DeRolf's deceptively simple poem celebrates the creation of harmony through diversity. In combination with Michael Letzig's vibrant illustrations, young readers will understand that when we all work together, the results are much more colorful and interesting.