Celebrate National Poetry Month with some great books, written like poems.
5 t
o 1by Holly Bodger
Set in 2054, the ramifications of gender selection have created a country in what is now India with a ratio of five boys for every girl. In this futuristic society, women find themselves at the highest level of society and in great demand as wives. So much so, that men must now complete in a series of vicious games for the chance to wed. Sudasa, who resents the games, and Kiran, who is forced to participate, meet during the tournament find that love and freedom are perhaps a possibility. The two teens tell their stories in chapters with alternating points of view–Sudasa’s in verse and Kiran’s in prose.
A great pick for fans of dystopian titles such as Matched or The Red Queen!
Paper Hearts
Making a birthday card in Auschwitz could cost a prisoner their life. In 1944, a young girl named Zlatka took that risk for her best friend, Fania. This incredibly vivid and heart wrenching novel is based upon the true story of Zlaktka’s experience as a Jewish girl during the Holocaust. The story focuses on her time in captivity and her struggle to retain hope in the face of death. The birthday card which she created for her fellow captive is one of the few objects created in Auschwitz, and can be seen today in the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.
A great pick for fans of historical fiction books such as Prisoner B-3089 or Between Shades of Gray.
House Arrest
During his year of house arrest, 12-year-old Timothy is required to keep as party of his probation. This is that journal. As Timothy reveals his story, we see his struggles first hand, along with his strong love for his mother and sickly baby brother. This is a touching story about the choices Timothy and his mother make in to keep their family together. Many teens will identify with Timothy, and may be somewhat surprised, by the ending.
A great read aloud for struggling high school aged readers, or selection for fans of such realistic fiction books as Tyrell or If I Grow Up.
Skyscraping
Publication Date: 2015
Set in Manhattan, 1994, Mira, a high school senior, learns her father has been hiding a his life as a gay man. While trying to accept her father’s secret life, she also discovers he is dying of AIDS.
Kiss of Broken Glass
Publication Date: 2014
Kenna has been committed to a mental health facility for 72 hours, for cutting. Kenna tells her story, and that of the kids she meets in her treatment facility, using poetic verse. Gritty at times, the story ends of a hopeful note.
A great pick for fans of realistic fiction books such as Recovery Road.
What My Mother Doesn’t Know
Publication Date: 2003Sophie seeks romance and independence in this light novel.
The first novel in verse I read, remains my favorite. When students finish this title they may want to read all of Sonya Sones’ books, including the follow-up title, What My Girlfriend Doesn’t Know, a romance written from the male point of view.
A great pick for any romance fan!
Categories: Book Reviews from Electric Stacks
Electric Stacks 