An illustrated collection of poems celebrating those who have,
as the title indicates, "changed the world." While the
individuals profiled here are undeniably inspiring, the
biographical poem, brief text and topical poem intended to
illuminate each person’s achievements don’t adequately convey
personality or relevance, resulting in an uneven collection
that, ironically enough, fails to live up to its potential.
Thirty poets have contributed their work, from familiar,
prolific authors such as Lee Bennett Hopkins, Jane Yolen and
Marilyn Singer to those whose writing is less well-known.
Subjects range from the contemporary (Temple Grandin, Steven
Spielberg) to the historical (Jonas Salk), and from the well-
known to the obscure (Father Greg Boyle). Unfortunately, the
poems are uneven in quality, with many seeming forced or
predictable. In general, the topical poems are the most
successful, with particularly engaging verses by Singer (about
the joys of flight) and Alice Schertle (pondering the mysteries
of a mummy