Book details
Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems
Description
A 15-year-old girl named Jessie voices typical—and not so typical—teenage concerns in this unique, hilarious collection of poems. Her musings about trying out new makeup and hairstyles, playing volleyball and cello, and dealing with her annoying younger brother are never boring or predictable. Who else do you know who designs her own clothes and writes poetry to her cat? Jessie's a girl with strong opinions, and she isn't shy about sharing them. Her funny, sarcastic take on high school life is revealed through concrete poetry: words, ideas, type, and design that combine to make pictures and patterns. The poems are inventive, irreverent, irresistible, and full of surprises—just like Jessie—and the playful layout and ingenious graphics extend the wry humor.
Age
10-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
48 pages
Why to read
- Engages Creativity: 'Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems' presents poetry in a visually engaging way, with the shape of each poem reflecting its theme. This unique approach encourages readers to think creatively and view poetry from a new perspective.
- Accessible Poetry: John Grandits' work is known for being accessible to a wide audience, including those who might not typically enjoy traditional poetry. The playful and inventive style of 'Blue Lipstick' makes it an excellent entry point for young readers or those new to poetry.
- Relatable Themes: The poems in 'Blue Lipstick' explore themes relevant to the experiences of teenagers, such as identity, friendship, family, and self-expression. Readers, particularly young adults, will find the content relatable and engaging.
- Language Exploration: Through concrete poetry, the book provides a fun and interactive way to explore the English language. It challenges readers to consider the visual aspect of words and phrases, enhancing their appreciation for the written word and its potential beyond conventional sentence structure.