The Geography of Girlhood - Softcover

Smith, Kirsten

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0316017353 ISBN 13: 9780316017350

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2007

Synopsis

Written in verse, this novel follows a girl from ages 14 to 18, exploring first crushes, first dances, first kisses, and the many dangers of growing up.

About this title

About the Author:

Kirsten Smith first began writing poetry while attending Occidental College but has made a career out of writing screenplays. Her credits include 10 Things I Hate About You, Legally Blonde, and Ella Enchanted.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 9 Up This novel in verse follows Penny as she navigates the unpredictable and often harrowing waters of young adulthood, and her episodic narration reverberates with authenticity. She is a sensitive girl deeply affected by her mother's abandonment when she was six. Though many of the hurdles that Penny encounters are representative of typical small-town teens, she has an insight into other people and even into her own feelings that make this a penetrating portrait of growing up female. The selections touch on the mercurial nature of friendships, envy of an attractive older sister with a boyfriend, self-consciousness about her own body and beauty, longing to be in the in crowd while at the same time deriding the superficial behavior of its members, and adjusting to a stepmother and younger stepbrother. The everyday pain of adolescence rings true throughout this readable and honest story. There is some matter-of-fact mention of sexual situations and underage drinking. However, it is the clarity, the keen understanding, and the apt metaphors that make Penny's voice so memorable. Renee Steinberg, formerly at Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
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About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0316017353
• ISBN 13: 9780316017350
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192