Root Cause: Reflections on school days from both sides of the desk in Bloomington, MN

E. Janet Johnson's second book of poems in free verse focuses on her lifelong journey of self-discovery as student and educator. Attending five different public schools in various parts of the US, Johnson shows resilience as always the "new kid" in class. Schooled in the 1950s and 1960s when corporal punishment and rigid rules were often prevalent, Johnson, as a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), remembers well the stresses of her K-12 years. As educator, she would strive to create an environment conducive to the love of learning. Her poems reflect societal attitudes and practices during her school years and the positive changes she becomes part of as an educator. Throughout her life, Johnson has continually re-invented herself by overcoming self-doubt and understanding its "root cause."