Been to Yesterdays

Growing up in the 1950s, young Lee Bennett Hopkins faced the painful events of his parents' divorce, an unstable homelife, and a hand-to-mouth existence. Through it all, he clung to the memory of his beloved grandmother and his hope of becoming a writer. In these emotionally charged autobiographical poems, the author captures a boy's feelings, experiences, and aspirations in the tumultuous period of his life.Winner of the Christopher Award
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
New York Public Library Best Books for the Teen Age
ALA/YALSA Best Books for Young Adults
NCSS–CBC Notable Trade Book
Golden Kite Honor Book

"This autobiographical cycle of poems is a rare gift, a careful exploration of one life that illumines the lives of all who read it." —School Library Journal, starred reviewLee Bennett Hopkins was a poet and anthologist who was honored with the Christopher Award, the University of Southern Mississippi's Medallion for "lasting contributions to children's literature," and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children.