Journey by 9 is an entertaining, thought provoking, awe inspiring collection of poetry by nine year old wordsmith, Joel J. McGowan. Joel's poems are loved by children and adults alike. Innocence occupies his skillful rhymes; and wisdom overflows each line. Young McGowan's poems, all 26 in the collection, make excellent conversation pieces for parents seeking to build communication with their children and, at the same time, instill good values and attitudes. In the classroom, teachers will find Joel's poems useful in developing students' comprehension skills and in conducting sessions on personal development, proper deportment and decorum. The topics Joel explores are sure to spark interest among the young and the young at heart. His poems such as "Life as a Printer," "Calendars," "Cell Phones," and "Remotes" demonstrate his ability to take the mundane and make it extraordinary. Whether you share that familiar "new toy" feeling; have an appreciation for nature and our natural surroundings; or an interest in everyday life and the rules people play by; Joel has a very special poem that connects with you.