Split Image

by Mel Glenn

Book Overview

Everyone has an image of Laura Li, the most popular girl in school: "stone hearted", "warmhearted", "conceited deceiver", "humble achiever", "a virgin", "the hottest girl in the world".

Award-winning poet Mel Glenn weaves a brilliant web of authentic voices in this riveting story, told in poetry, about what happens when one teenage girl is denied the freedom to determine her own identity.

2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA) and Books...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060004819
• ISBN13: 9780060004811
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Harperteen
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 7.1"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 and higher

Customer Reviews

Split Image

I thought that this book was very good, but also very interesting. It was neat how the book was written in poems, but I thought that there were too many characters. I would definately read this book again for a short read. I thought it was awsome.

relating to this story

The book is about a Chinese girl growing up in an American society, who decides to find herself in the library. I picked this book up in my high school library, ironically enough. I spend most of my after school time there, in the library. I looked through this book, not expecting this girl to relate to me in any single way. I am Chinese myself, with both a working dad and a working mom, both love me, but in a Chinese way. And here i am living, growing up American. I enjoyed this book like i enjoy any type of poetry...and i realize i enjoy it a bit more differently than other people enjoy it. they dont see the mother's love, because they are too american. Or the father's love. This book is amazing to all who read it, I'm sure, but keep your eyes open for unseen love. This girl in the story did not, and it led to her downfall. :D I loved this book.

Don't Juge A Book By Its Cover

When I picked up this book I was sure I wouldn't like it because I'm not a big fan of poetry. But I read it anyway, thinking that I should at least give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! Even though this book is written in poetry form it's just like reading a book, except it's better. One reason I think this sounded better in poetry form is because that way you can see what everyone thinks of Laura Li. Some people love her, some people hate her, and some people just don't understand her. From the outside looking in it seems like she has the perfect life. But she doesn't. She feels trapped in her life, being everything everyone wants her to be. So she starts sneaking out in the middle of the night, dancing in clubs with strange men. As you read further into the book her life get darker and darker then it had before. Dragging you deeper and deeper into her innermost thoughts. . .

Great story in a unique format!

This book would be a great addition to any YA collection.Although it is classified as "poetry," the entries are notat all obscured by high literary style. They read as fresh, high-school penned poetry ought to and should appeal to many students. Part of this appeal lies in the controversial subject matter. The relationships between Laura Li and her mother, her brother, other students, and the school's librarian are both realistic and easily conveyed through each person's point of view. I found myself constantly wanting Laura Li to connect with someone--anyone--on a deeper level. The answer to whether or not she ever does will leave you breathless!Thank you, Mel Glenn, for a fine, fine read.

A New Type of Book

I think that this book will appeal to people who truly enjoy reading and literature. In my view, it is a one of a kind, since it tells a story in a poem, rather than in pros. This gives it a sort of sing-song feel. The story itself is also very good, telling how a girl who looked so perfect to everyone on the outside, actually had many problems brewing inside, leading to a tragic end.