Published: 2018
Author: Caroline Kaufman (@poeticpoison)
Illustrator: Yelena Bryksenkova
Genres: YA Poetry, Memoir, Mental Health
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Number of Stars: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Goodreads Link: Light Filters In
Content Warnings: Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, depression, and abusive relationships.
Publisher’s Summary
In the vein of poetry collections like Milk and Honey and Adultolescence, this compilation of short, powerful poems from teen Instagram sensation @poeticpoison perfectly captures the human experience. In Light Filters in, Caroline Kaufman—known as @poeticpoison—does what she does reflects our own experiences back at us and makes us feel less alone, one exquisite and insightful piece at a time. She writes about giving up too much of yourself to someone else, not fitting in, endlessly Googling “how to be happy,” and ultimately figuring out who you are. This hardcover collection features completely new material plus some fan favorites from Caroline’s account. Filled with haunting, spare pieces of original art, Light Filters in will thrill existing fans and newcomers alike.
Full Review
Light Filters In is a fantastic introduction to contemporary poetry for teens, especially those grappling with their mental health. Caroline Kaufman captures the emotions of her sixteen-year-old self with a striking simplicity that makes intense topics—like depression, self-harm, and toxic relationships—accessible and deeply relatable.
For students who find traditional poetry “stuffy” or “boring,” Kaufman’s work is a revelation. Much like the adult poetry of Amanda Lovelace or Rupi Kaur, her straightforward style changes the definition of the genre for a new generation. Because it was written by a teen for teens, it carries an inherent authenticity; it doesn’t feel like an adult “lecturing” about pain, but a peer sharing a survival guide. The accompanying illustrations turn each page into a piece of art, making the reading experience feel intimate and special.
While this may not be the most “advanced” poetry for formal academic analysis, its value in the classroom lies in its power for healing and self-reflection. I’ve seen firsthand how a student can pick this up and immediately feel the need to own their own copy just to annotate their favorite parts. It is a vital resource for any high schooler looking to feel less alone in the dark.
✍️ The Rise of “Instapoetry” and Mental Health
Caroline Kaufman is part of a movement often called “Instapoetry.” This style is characterized by short, aesthetically pleasing verses that prioritize emotional honesty over complex metaphors.
Why “Simple” Poetry Works for Teens – The simplicity of Kaufman’s work allows for a direct emotional connection, which is often more effective for readers in crisis than dense, archaic language.
🧠 Poetry as a Tool for Healing
Research suggests that Expressive Writing and reading poetry can significantly aid in managing anxiety and depression.
- Validation: Seeing one’s own “dark” thoughts printed on a page validates that those feelings are a real, shared human experience.
- Naming the Pain: By giving a name to feelings like “social exclusion” or “emotional exhaustion,” students can begin to categorize and manage them.
- The “Light” Motif: The title suggests a gradual process. Light doesn’t “flood” in; it filters in, emphasizing that recovery is a slow, steady journey.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
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ELA (Modern Poetry Movements): Discuss the evolution of poetry from the Romantic era to the Digital age.
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Activity Idea: Compare a poem from Light Filters In to a “classic” poem about melancholy (e.g., Emily Dickinson). What are the similarities in theme? How has the delivery of the message changed for modern audiences?
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Creative Writing (The Power of Sparse Text): Analyze how Kaufman uses a few words to carry a lot of weight.
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Activity Idea: Have students try “Micro-Poetry.” Ask them to describe a complex emotion (like “hope” or “loneliness”) using only ten words or fewer. How does the choice of each word become more important when there are fewer of them?
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Health & SEL (Coping Strategies): Use the book as a springboard for talking about mental health resources.
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Activity Idea: Discuss the “Google how to be happy” poem. What are some real-world resources (school counselors, hotlines, art therapy) that are more effective than a search engine?
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Art & Literacy (Visual Poetry): > Activity Idea: Have students select one of their own poems or a favorite from the book and create their own “spare, haunting” illustration to accompany it. How does the art change the way the poem is read?
