My Words on Children's Literature

Genre 3 POETRY

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya. 2007. WHAT MY GIRLFRIEND DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon & Shuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689876028

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This sequel to What My Mother Doesn't Know (S & S, 2001) stands completely on its own. Robin’s life at Cambridge High School is terrible. He is an arty outsider and a target for jokes and bullying. His last name becomes a derogatory slang of the school – as in “Don’t be such a Murphy.” Things begin to turn around for him during Christmas break when popular Sophie becomes his girlfriend even to the detriment of her reputation. He also finds escape from his awful high school life when he is invited to audit an art class at Harvard. He is well liked and accepted here and is flattered by a college freshman who shows a romantic interest in him.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is written for the teenage audience. Written in rapid-fire first person free verse, Sones’ writing as a teenager is believable and distinctive. The story of a thrilling and faltering first love coupled with a young teen finding acceptance may be familiar, but Sones’ spare, authentic words draw the reader into the story. From bad puns to silent, inner agony to the thrill of being chosen as a friend, Sones convincingly portrays Robin as an awkward, likable, intelligent, and realistically flawed young man. Many readers will identify with the Robin and will enjoy this read.

The free verse style does not rely on rhythm or rhyme to be recognized as poetry. The poems are free flowing with thoughts, dialog, and narrative. What makes this collection of poems so amazing, is the heartfelt adolescent language stuffed with the huge emotions of this age. For example, when the cool girls notice Robin holding hands with Sophie in the cafeteria, he is desperately afraid that she will want to hide their relationship. "When Sophie looks up at them, / her smile disappears, /and suddenly I feel like a man overboard. / Like / if she lets go of my fingers, / I'll drown."
The emotional impact of these poems causes the reader to empathize with Robin. Feeling this story and receiving it through this poetic style makes it a unique reading experience.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS

School Library Journal: “Written as a novel in verse, this title is a fast-paced, page-turning romp that gives authentic voice to male youth even when it is painfully truthful.”

Booklist: “Many teens will see themselves, and they'll cheer when Sophie and Robin thwart the bullies and reclaim their social standing. Like Sones' other titles, this is a great choice for reluctant and avid readers alike.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Discussions on popularity, nonconformity, peer pressure, and confidence in your self are all great themes in this book.

*Have students write short skits that show these kinds of issues at school.

*Other related books:

Spinelli, Jerry. STARGIRL. ISBN 0440416779

Sorenson, Jane. OUT WITH THE IN CROWD. ISBN 0874030870

// posted by catalogblog @ 7:20 AM