I Can't Keep My Own Secrets

October 12, 2009
Following two earlier “six-word memoir” titles, this addition collects supersuccinct memoirs written by teenagers (who are identified by their first names and last initials). Like graffiti scrawls on a bathroom wall, some are funny (“Contemplated joining circus. Foolishly chose college”), others are poignant (“He said bye with YouTube links,”), while many are bluntly honest (“I regret sleeping with my teacher”). Select b&w illustrations are also included. The range of powerful emotions, expressed in just a few words, make this an ideal pick for teens seeking evocative, easily relatable stories. Ages 12–up.

August 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Almost 800 authors, ranging in age from 13 to 19, contributed to this thought-provoking collection of individual memoirs. Based on the interest resulting from the publication of "Not Quite What I Was Planning" (HarperCollins, 2008), the editors of "SMITH" Magazine decided to challenge teens to write the story of their lives in a few brief words. The result is a compelling compendium that will provoke laughter"Mom just revoked my creative license"; sadness"Grandma is dying while I'm out shopping"; and empathy and thought"In the nest, twigs are sharp." Less than a dozen of the selections, most of which are not as good as those by "obscure" authors, are written by famous teens. The short length, relevant topics, and authentic emotions will ensure that this book will appeal to a wide variety of teens, including reluctant readers. English teachers, theater teachers, and student book-club sponsors will revel in the instructional possibilities that could spring from this anthology. It may require some initial hand selling, but ultimately this book will find broad appeal in most collections."Lynn Rashid, Marriotts Ridge High School, Marriottsville, MD"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Grades 6-10 Feedback from the publication of Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous & Obscure (2008) led to the creation of this multimemoir based entirely on the six-word life summaries of nearly 800 teens. Like the previous volume, its a spartan affair, with black-on-white type (or the reverse) arranged in various fonts and alignments along with the occasional sketch. The ruminations span from the haunting (Small genetic condition ruined my life.) to the funny (We are banned from Wal-Mart forever.) to the inspirational (Came out to Mom. All better.). A razor focus is put on issues that hit youths the hardest, including the perils of modern technology (Googled what he called me. Ouch.) and the braces, body issues, bad sex, poor grades, disappointed parents, and blue hair that make up typical teen trauma. This is the sort of book people browse on a whim, and for its appointed purpose, it has just the right proportion of humor and heartbreak.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)