1. "I have just finished reading the latest edition of CHALLENGER international. Great stuff!...I really appreciated it, but the big winners are the kids. I know kids feel validated when they see their own work in print."
—Tina Quinn, former Associate Principal of Secondary Alternate Programs in Quesnel, BC.
2. "I have just read CHALLENGER international...I found it to be very interesting...I particularly enjoyed the poetry."
—Ed Napier, former Director of Instruction in Quesnel.
3. "CHALLENGER international is commended for distinguished accomplishment in clarity and interest...I am most impressed by the variety of topics you address as well as the quality of the articles and poems submitted."
—Debra Cullinane, former Co-ordinator of Student Support Services in Quesnel.
4. "CHALLENGER international is an excellent vehicle for students to express themselves. Their views on life through stories show others how they think and feel. Another positive example from students expressing themselves through writing is that it could relieve tension caused from their stress. We all look different, but most of the time we are all the same on the inside, and CHALLENGER international helps us see that."
—Kathy Olsen, McNaughton Centre (Quesnel) graduate.
5. “I enjoyed reading these poems. Thanks for continuing this project.”
—Nate Bello, Principal, McNaughton Centre.
6. “Excellent stuff.”
—Richard Wink, poet (England)
7. “[A] good company [of authors].”
—Luis Benitez, poet (Argentina)
8. A review of CHALLENGER international, Volume 12, Number 3, by Misty Nevacshonoff (18 years old): I really enjoyed the poem by Ambrose Paul called "Darkness." Darkness by itself isn't necessarily interesting, but Paul did a really good job of turning darkness into an image, something I can imagine and see in my head. For example, "The darkness has a grip and starts laughing." He gives it life, personification. I also enjoyed the poem by Cheryl Franks called "Who Will You Be?" Her poem tells us about herself, or the implied author, and at the end when she says, "Now it's your turn—who will you be?" she really gets us to think about who we actually are.
This issue is truly interesting. Many writers do a good job of creating stories and ideas with their words. There were a lot of descriptive words to help make things clear. For example, in the poem "Rental Car," by Kevin Wolf, he says, "Snow flavours the wind." He does a good job of using "flavour" and "wind" to help us experience the snow flying.
9. A review of CHALLENGER international, Volume 12, Number 3, by David Anderson (18 years old): I like "Darkness" by Ambrose Paul, especially the line "The darkness has a grip and starts laughing." It makes me think that someone is insane and thinks he's trapped in a dark hole. I find that interesting.
I like "Untitled 2," also by Paul. "Today is special for the reason / You weren't here" tells me maybe some things happen for a reason.
"Pantoum-Distraction" by J. M. Hall is a good poem. I enjoy the line "becoming my own questioner." The reason I like this is because sometimes I question myself and answer myself.
Another good poem is "Who Will You Be?" by Cheryl Franks. She says, "Smiles and laughter, expression of thought." It reminds me of me, how I treat people.
10. “I am reading this new issue with pleasure, knowing new poets…It is really something I am enjoying.”
—Luis Benitez, poet (Argentina).
11. "The whole magazine is very nicely produced giving the poems space to breathe on each page."
—Neil Leadbeater, poet (Scotland).
12. “We really enjoyed reading Challenger and were impressed with the calibre of writing and the quality of the publication.” —Kathi Hughes and Dale Johnson (Evaluation Committee for Secondary Alternate Programs in Quesnel).
13. "Thank you so much for publishing my poems as a collection in CHALLENGER international and for sending to me a copy of the magazine. I delayed writing to you because I wanted to read the magazine first of all. I want you to know how much I enjoyed reading your poems with their arresting vocabulary, Biblical references and range of ideas. Your puma “cunning as a presidential runner” made me smile – a good image – and I especially liked the startling opening lines of “I have never travelled beyond.” I also enjoyed your article on the power of the evocative image through connotation. I enjoyed reading Simon Perchik’s article and found myself agreeing with him every step of the way. Robert Lavett Smith’s sequence of sonnets was incredibly moving and I will make a point of looking out for his latest book when it is published. All in all, a very nicely produced magazine."
—Neil Leadbeater, poet (Scotland).
