by Gary Soto, p. 100 – Grades 6-9
Told from the point of view of both teen boys and girls, these poems capture the sweetness, heartache and confusion of young love. This meaty yet easy to read collection is divided into two sections: “A Girl’s Tears, Her Songs” and “A Boy’s Body, His Words.”
Consequence When a stone bridge fails, you can rebuild it with your hands. With love, when it falls, The rocks shoot sparks. Gossips Gather at the river’s edge, Skipping stones across the water, Asking intently, “Who brought it down?”Connection: For another book of poetry dealing with teenagers try Paul B. Janeczko’s Proposterous; Poems of Youth.
Tags: American, first loves, Gary Soto, love, poetry, teenagers, teens, Young adult poetry