April’s here and it’s time to celebrate National Poetry Month! One of my favorite ways to explore poetry is through novels in verse (which are also a super quick read). Here are some of the latest and greatest to help you celebrate National Poetry Month.
Wrestler Brendan struggles with his desire to be feminine and after meeting transgendered Angel, Brendan questions who he is and his relationship with his girlfriend Vanessa. Freakboy by Kristin Clark tells a story of discovery and transition as three people explore gender and what it means to be themselves.
In The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe, Daisy uses her trumpet and music to escape the tension and chaos her severely autistic brother Steven has brought to her family. When his violent outbursts become too much and he’s about to be institutionalized, Daisy must deal with wanting a normal family life but not wanting Steven to leave.
The Sound of Letting Go is available in other formats.
Biracial Kai lost his entire family when the March 2011 tsunami devastated Japan. Up From the Sea follows Kai as he tries to rebuild his village and his life, including traveling to New York City to share his story with survivors of the September 11 tragedy. Author Leza Lowitz also tells her own story or surviving and rebuilding from the tsunami at the end.
Melanie Crowder’s Audacity explores the story of real-life Jewish activist Clara Lemich. Spurred by the horrific working conditions in the garment factory she works in, Clara joins the movement to create unions and eventually becomes a charismatic leader. The real Clara Lemich led 20,000 garment workers to strike in 1909.
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