Hey World, Here I Am!: Outspoken Poems About Life, Love, and Being Yourself for Kids (Ages 8-12)

Kate Bloomfield #3

by Jean Little, Sue Truesdell (Illustrator)

An ALA Notable Children’s Book * Multiple starred reviews

“Engaging” — ALA Booklist (starred review)

“A compelling portrait.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Funny and poignant.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

Honest and engaging, award-winning author Jean Little’s beloved Hey World, Here I Am! is told in a series of poems, observations, and vignettes.

Kate Bloomfield has got a lot to say—about school and friends and parents, about cartwheels (she can't do them), about parsnips (she won't eat them), about being alone and being herself, about life and love...even about Dave Nelson, who doesn't know she's alive. Outspoken, funny, sometimes confused but always observant, Kate is writing it all down—"Hey World, Here I Am!"

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Short Stories, Childrens, Canada, Friendship, Middle Grade

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Jean Little is a Canadian author, born in Taiwan. Her work has mainly consisted of children's literature, but she has also written two autobiographies: Little by Little and Stars Come Out Within. Little has been partially blind since birth as a result of scars on her cornea and is frequently accompanied by a guide dog.

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This slim poetry volume is one of my favorite little books. Written in a variety of styles, it contains gems of insight, just as good poetry should, and all without beating readers over the head. Throughout my education career I have urged teachers to share poetry without over-teaching it. Let students learn to enjoy the imagery, the rhythm, the perfect word choice, and more without killing their interest by hammering away at analysis of theme, form, and symbolism! Little's poem "After English Class" makes my point exactly:

I used to like "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening."
I liked the coming darkness,
The jingle of harness bells, breaking--and adding to--the stillness,
The gentle drift of snow....

But today, the teacher told us what everything stood for.
The woods, the horse, the miles to go, the sleep--
They all have "hidden meanings."

It's grown so complicated now that,
Next time I drive by,
I don't think I'll bother to stop."

This volume also contains another poem that has been a mantra for me through the years. I never bought abridged or condensed versions of books for my classroom, our school library, or my personal library. A great book is so much more than just a plot and some characters. The word choice, the style, the tone, and the way the writer blends all the elements together to create the unified whole are what gives a story its character and nature. Those are lost in abridgements and condensations. Little's Kate makes the perfect argument in the poem "Condensed Version" when she finds her friend reading a condensed version of Heidi to her little cousin:

It was all wrong--the pictures, the words, what happened, the way it felt.
"You shouldn't read her that," I said.
"Why not?" asked Emily.
Suddenly, I knew exactly how to explain.
"People who read condensed versions instead of the real book," I said loftily,
"Are like people who read a road map
--and think they've been on a journey."

A trip through Jean Little's poetry is a journey worth taking.

[Janet Ngai · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Hey World, Here I Am” by Jean Little, which using journal way to shows main character Kate’s story. Actually there is now a whole story in the book, readers read through Kate’s view to know her feeling, and her daily life or maybe friends, parents…the people that she care about. It just like this book is her journal, and now we are reading it.
The things that I love in the book is Kate sometimes tells the truth of world, it sounds cool and make readers to think things through. Author make this book easy to read, I like the kind of short story which doesn’t have a bunch things to read for and sometimes only a short sentence could make people thinking too! That how I like a short sentence, clear, clean, and understanding
Talks about the short sentences, there are some of those I really like in Kate’s journal.
I have a dream that, someday, someone will say, “here, give me that beat-up old notebook. You needn’t bother filling in all those other zillion pages. Start a new one this instant
—Because it’s February, because today’s not Wednesday ,
Because everybody deserves beginning again more often.”—“about notebook”

The key things just in the end of something and could suddenly make people get into thinking. So that part I just told did so: everybody deserves a new beginning again or more, because people always have to change. Maybe for maybe their live, people that they love, things that they care about… form that we need a new beginning for changing.
Or probably we made some mistake, and you might think you don‘t deserves a new beginning forever, but there is time which always passing by, it never stop for someone, so we also gonna to move on with time. Time will bring anything pass though. All we have to do is, try best to have a positive mind and try our best to working on things. Then just be patient, cause the new beginning is coming soon, and that is what we want, right?
—(those all from myself ideas, see? Only a short sentence could make people thinking, too!)

[Krista Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing for discussion. So relatable and my students are loving it.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an excellent collection of poems. As a child, I remember not enjoying this much, so when I picked it up again recently, I wasn't expecting much. But I think with age and life experience comes a much greater appreciation for the sentiments and experiences related through these poems. A teenager or young adult would probably find the greatest enjoyment, and a wonderful sense of camaraderie with the poem's author - the fictional 'Kate'. It makes you feel not so alone at a time of life that can feel isolating - 'You are not the only one who feels this way!' Kate tells us.

A short, lovely, touching read.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting "poetry" by supporting character from Look Through My Window and star of Kate. Fascinating glimpses into a unique and authentic character, reflecting on parents, old people, life, death, the seasons, books, God, relationships, parsnips, and cute boys.

[Ryan M. Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The short poems and vignettes had such heart, wisdom, and humor. Could be used as a read aloud, mentor text, writing prompt/activity, or close read.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read. I enjoyed reading this small book of lovely words.

[Fahr Sivakriskul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading this book and Im totally in love with it!
Jean Little has done a great job writing "Hey World, Here I Am!". This book is about the protagonist, Kate Bloomfield's thoughts about everything around her. The character Kate seems very realistic and tangible to me. This book is a mixture of short story and poetry, it is a collection of random thoughts of the character Kate Bloomfield. Jean Little has an amazing skills of poetry and how she compares things in everyday life and use them to show a deep and meaningful thoughts behind them. Kate is so pure and honest to her feelings, she pauses when she needs a break and she doesn't fake her feelings to please other people. Kate gives me new viewpoints in life: sometimes we need a break, it is okay to cry and express your feelings, don't worry about problems that you can't solve, etc. Kate values friendship, kindness, love and family which I really like. The character Kate Bloomfield is a delight, honest, and very relatable character which makes me can't help falling in love with this book!

[Willow Redd · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's great about this book is not that it is a book of poetry from a young girl, but that it is a book of poetry from a fictional young girl.

Kate started as a side character in one of Jean Little's other works, best friend to the main character, but after Little finished that book, Kate stuck around. Kate was the ever-present voice in Little's head saying "there's more to me. Let me speak." So, Kate got her own book, and now she's speaking again, using her own voice, and sharing her deep thoughts through her creative outlet, writing.

Some excellent poems in here. I like the way Kate sees the world.

[Audrey Ettinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been happy to realize how well Jean Little's writing has stood the test of time for me. I don't think I read this book of poems (and short prose) "by Kate" as a kid, but as an adult, I am reminded how much I like Kate as a character and a person, and I am impressed at how well Little writes from her perspective. This feels like an expansion of someone who I already know well.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es un libro lleno de emociones. Los personajes cobran vida en cada oración y se transmite muy bien la «vibra» de Kate en cada uno de sus textos.
Increíble que, a pesar de ser un personaje ficticio, cada palabra se siente muy real. Dentro de este libro todo está relacionado y se puede comprender el contexto de los personajes.

[Allison Tubaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: poetry

Grades 1-4

Hey World Here I Am! Is an excellent book to help teach and work on poetry. This poetry book does not rhyme, but you can still use it to introduce one of the many forms of poetry. You can also use it to work on patterns and rhythm.

[Rowyn Golde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with this book. I've read it a thousand times, and I can't tell you how much comfort it has given me over the years. I recently handed my tattered, well-loved copy to my husband. The prose and poetry contained within Hey World, Here I Am! gets straight to the heart.

[Kip · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my town's librarians shared this with me since she knows I love novels in verse. It has an old-fashioned feel (it was originally published in 1986), but it's quite a lovely read.

[Tene'Ja Flagg-Harris]

its is going to be a good book

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much I went down to the corner store and photocopied the entire thing there, when I was twelve years old.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some great thinking points that is presented in this. As a teacher there are several places that could lead to great discussions within a class.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my intro to Jean Little and such a delightful surprise.

[Lisa Depies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this short book of poems/vignettes as a child. Re-reading it as an adult, I was thrilled to discover it’s even more charming than I remembered.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of poems and short stories that are musings you might find in a journal. The 'author' is Kate Bloomfield, a character in Jean Little's book Look Through My Window. The entries are terrific and have a wide range of topics. The character is a bit older than our girls, but I am sure they could relate to at least some of her thoughts.

Overall, it was a fascinating book and we really enjoyed reading it together. I will certainly look for more books by this author at our local library.

interesting quote:

"If you were once a puzzle, you soon found the edge pieces and fitted yourself inside. There is no edge to me yet. I hope the picture turns out to be worth the work. I hope I never discover an edge." (p. 87)

favorite poems:

Today

"Today I will not live up to my potential.
Today I will not relate well to my peer group.
Today I will not contribute in class.
I will not volunteer one thing.
Today I will not strive to do better.
Today I will not achieve or adjust or grow enriched
or get involved.
I will not put up my hand even if the teacher is wrong
and I can prove it.

Today I might eat the eraser off my pencil.
I'll look at clouds.
I'll be late.
I don't think I'll wash.

I need a rest." (p. 6)

Pearls

Dad gave me a string of pearls for my birthday.
They aren't real pearls but they look real.
They came nested in deep, deep blue velvet
in a hinged box with a silvery lid.
His sister had some like them when she was my age.
She was thrilled.
He thought I'd really like them.
I said I did.

I love the box." (p. 65)

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Bloomfield, a Canadian teenage girl, records her thoughts and feelings through a series of poems and vignettes. The very first page quickly sets the tone of Kate’s story - she announces her arrival to the World, but when she gets no response, her Self celebrates with somersaults. The World had its chance, but now it’s Kate’s turn! Simple stories, like not being able to eat parsnips or being proud to be Canadian, are mixed with longer portraits of Kate, her friends and family. Kate struggles with becoming a teenager and learning more about her parents and neighbors. The reader gets an intimate portrait of Kate and may discover a kindred spirit.

Kate has already appeared in two book, Kate and Look Through My Window, but Hey World, Here I Am! certainly stands on its own. Little’s writing style capture the teenage voice perfectly, without any of the angst or drama found in so many other books with a teen protagonist. Kate is caught between a world where she is old enough to have experience and reflect on her opinions, but still new to the world of adults. Truesdell’s illustrations, wobbly black and white drawings, are both silly and sentimental. The drawings interact with the poems, somersaulting around the words. Not only will younger readers find a companion in Kate, they will be introduced to poetry and the short story format.

[Jorge]

This book is a combination of a little stories and a few small poems. In this book the chapters don't have any relation, so you can read first the last chapter, then one in the middle and you understand all. There were some poems that I don't like, because I started to speak English only two months ago, and for my is really hard to understand an English poem. In the book there were some stories that I really like them, because the protagonist told a lot of stories that happened to the most of the kids, like when she told that when she was love is hurt, or when she told her own day she remembered a lot of me when I was a child.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a school project, and it was a great read. It showed what it was like for a preteen girl, who felt like her parents ignored her.

It didn't have a story, but it showed what Kate Bloomfield' life is like. It showed what she has learned and what she has lost.

A good book and, the author was blind! Her story is incredible! As I said before, a good book but not a "must read".

[Analeah 709 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely for younger kids, and is pretty short, but it's one of my favorites. The book is a series of poems about Katie and her life. I picked this out of a classroom a few years ago (they were giving out free books) and I always come back to read it once in a while. I love poems, and this book also has its funny moments. The way it was written is lovely too! Just a wonderful little book overall.

[Jessica McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich poetry/prose from the point of view of a girl on the edge of adulthood. Kate Bloomfield has opinions about nearly everything in her life, and she’s written them all down in her diary. At times touching, funny, uplifting, and beautiful, Little has given her heroine charm and wit, while never losing her realism. Nearly perfect young adult fiction.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book of heart-warming poems, written from the perspective of a young girl named Kate. It is a fast read, that I'd describe as light, sweet, and touching. I enjoyed it so much I'm going to look up other works by the author.

[Katie Bastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is probably my favorite book of ALL TIME. I used to read it when I was little all the time, and I still read it from time to time. It's a collection of short poems, in the perspective of a tween, and she just says it like it is. They are perfect in a simple way.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different kind of poetry than I've read before, it's all "written" by the same character and it seemed more like snipits of her day and thoughts instead of poetry. It read more like an incomplete story rather than poetry to me.

[Elizabeth A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful little book of poems and journal entries by a young girl trying to figure out the world around her. Much of her ruminations are spot on. As a journal keeper from a very young age, I approve.

[Chloe Resendez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was interesting. I liked how the author created poems about this girl throughout the whole book. That is what made this book interesting to me. I would recommend this book to readers who like poem books that have a lot of meaning to them.