"Tate makes this book entertaining and accessible for its intended reader. It's short and punchy and has a compelling protagonist. Tara is easy to relate to and sympathize with, and she is written in a believable way...Fallout has something of value to offer to most teen readers. Tate does an admirable job of dealing with the topic of childhood suicide and its devastating effects on family members. It is refreshing that this is not at all a story about a depressed teenager, but the story of a survivor. It deals very well with the subject of guilt and also with the emotional turmoil which suicide creates...Both the poetry and the poetry scene provide a lively and effective story which readers will enjoy. Recommended."

"Detailed descriptions of the competitive slam poetry world are vivid and engaging."

"A novel that uses the beauty of poetry to tell a sad but familiar story...A well-organized, clearly written book that will [be] relat[able] to young adult readers...Recommended."

"An excellent addition to a hi-lo collection because readers will find the subject matter realistic and gripping."

"Tate captures Tara's grief and guilt about her sister's suicide...The lengthy passages of slam poetry make this novel an intriguing read. The novel will appeal particularly to those readers who have experienced grief because of a death in their family."