I can't keep my own secrets Edited by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser

Bibliographic Information:
I can't keep my own secrets. (2009) (L. Smith & R. Fershleiser, Eds.). New York, NY: Harper Teen. ISBN# 9780061726842

Plot Summary:
Smith Magazine asked teens to describe their lives in six words and submit their work. The magazine received over 600 responses, including some from celebrities. The teens were between 13 – 19 years old and as far as the magazine editors can tell, each submission is authentic. The teens wrote about various aspects of their lives. Some wrote about living in a dysfunctional family. Others wrote about a mistake they can done. Some teens wrote about their faith, either finding it or losing it. Other teens wrote about their sex life, some lost their virginity, some are with much older partners, some are proud of being a virgin. Several of the entries deal with teen pregnancy. With some, the father is around and with others, the father isn’t. A number of teens wrote about the war taking a loved one to Iraq. Some teens wrote about weight issues, being called names, being overweight, or being anorexics or bulimia. First kisses are mentioned. Teens discussed being gay or lesbian and whether or not they have come out. Some wrote about the reaction of others when they did come out. Sixteen poems are included at the back from famous people in this age group, such as Taylor Swift. There is a page to create your own poem and information on where to send it. An index is included based on subject matter.

Critical Evaluation:
What a great idea! The editors state in a note at the beginning that this is their second book of this type. After the first book was published many teachers, from kindergarten to graduate school wrote to share that they did this with their classes. I can see how this could be used easily with a wide age range of students. Some of the poems are funny or a play on words. But many of the poems are heart breaking. The authors talk about being unloved or unwanted. Problems from sex, drugs, rape, gossip, etc. are discussed. This book would be a great addition to most all libraries. All teens, in fact everyone, will probably be able to see themselves in one of these poems. Teens will be able to relate to the pain that some of these authors wrote. Perhaps by reading this book, these teens will be able to go to someone and discuss their own problems. Or perhaps, these teens will get a better perspective on their life after reading this book. Either way this book should be available to all teens.

Reader's Annotation:
Smith Magazine asked teens, between the ages of 13 – 19, to submit a six-word memoir of their lives. This book is a culmination of the responses that they received.

Information about the author:
Larry Smith is the founder and editor in chief of Smith Magazine. He has edited article for other magazines, such as Men’s Journal, was the executive editor at Yahoo! Internet Life, was the senior editor of ESPN: The Magazine, and has been an editor of several other magazines. Rachel Fershleiser is a senior editor of Smith Magazine and co-editor of Not quite what I was planning, the third six-word memoir compilation.
http://www.smithmag.net/about/team/

Genre: Poetry; autobiography

Curriculum Ties: Sociology; Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas:
• How would you describe your life?
• Can you describe it in six words?
• Pick a poem. What do you think is happening in this person’s life? Why?
• Which poem best reflects you? Why?

Reading Level/Interest Level:
The widest age range, according to the reviews, is 11 – 18.

Challenge Issues:
Drugs; sex; teen pregnancy; abuse; religion; rape

If the book is challenged:
• Listen calmly to the complainant.
• Ask if s/he has read the entire novel.
• Show positive reviews of the novel.
• Show the selection policy.
If the complainant still has issues with the book:
• Request that the complainant read the entire book if this has not already occurred.
• Have the complainant fill out a reconsideration form.
• Set up a reconsideration meeting.
• Provide the reconsideration meeting members with:
o Positive reviews
o Selection policy
o Reconsideration policy

Selection Process:
I saw this book at Barnes & Noble and was intrigued. Afterwards I found reviews of the book using Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database.

Three positive reviews

Reading/Interest level, selection process information, and reviews were accessed using the Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database at http://clcd.odyssi.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~C2arq4:1 accessed through SJSU and not available to everyone.