The Geography of Girlhood
by Kirsten Smith
Published by Little, Brown and Company
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Reviewed by Jocelyn Pearce
This is the story of Penny Morrow, who, like so many others at any given time, is in the process of growing up and leaving childhood behind.
Penny is ready for this. There have been things in her life, in the past, that Penny has not been ready for--like losing her mother. She wants to grow up and live outside of her home and family now. Outside of the house, she goes to parties and meets a boy. Inside it, she gets a new stepmother and stepbrother. Penny is growing up and her life is changing, and there's no turning back the clock.
The Geography of Girlhood is a great story told in wonderful free-verse poetry that flows nicely and is easily understood. It's easy to follow the story and appreciate the poetry at the same time.
Kristen Smith has written various popular movies and her poetry has appeared many places, so it is not surprising that she has chosen a verse novel to write; combining two things she knows best, good stories and great poetry.
Kirsten Smith has told a brilliant story that is even more brilliant because of the form in which it is told, in verse. Even people who do not believe that they like poetry will be pulled into this story, with its lifelike characters and a plot that can be understood by anyone who has been through or is going through the often painful process of growing up--that is to say, all of us.
Armchair Interviews says: Nice, nice read.