BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US gets Starred Review from School Library Journal!

We are thrilled to announce that Barbed Wire Between Us received its 3rd Starred Review, this time from School Library Journal:

Gr 2-5–Set in Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, Barbed Wire Between Us uses verse poetry to tell the story of how Fort Sill was used as an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, then reverses the poetry to tell the story of how it was used in 2014 as a detention camp for immigrant children. This book is beautifully illustrated to show the gravitas of a dark moment in history repeating itself. A message of hope is still present throughout, however, this book does not shy away from the inhumanity that is being separated by the barbed wire physically and metaphorically by these families of the past and present.

VERDICT A must-purchase for elementary poetry collections for its elegant combination of the seriousness of history repeating itself and the promise of a new tomorrow.

Reviewed by Molly Dettmann , Apr 01, 2026

p.s. Related posts:

Barbed Wire Between Us gets Starred Review from Publishers Weekly!

BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US gets Kirkus Starred Review!

BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US Makes Kirkus’ Spring 2026 Preview of Must-Read Children’s Books

BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US featured on Dr. Susannah Richards Books to Ignite and Delight Young Readers

Barbed Wire Between Us reviewed by Betsy Bird on School Library Journal

Barbed Wire Between Us included in Sneak Peek list of Poetry for Young People 2026

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