Poems for teens is an anthology of fifty poems, with themes touching on children’s diverse needs. these include the need for love, independence, and nurturing by parents. adolescence is depicted as a turbulent period in which youngsters query about life, love, sickness, and the desire to achieve. the children in these narratives graduate from adolescence to adulthood, needing role models among peers and adults to assist them. at the same time, the poet, francis emson dakwa, aptly describes the children’s need for fun, so they can face life with dignity and enrichment. this anthology is subdivided into five themes: our happiness, our needs, on hiv and aids, our problems, and our views. in these narratives, the young people are calling for recognition and communication with the outside world, which includes parents, siblings, and friends. but, at the same time, they want the world to understand their teenage identity and not disturb their freedoms and peace.