The Secret of Me: A Novel in Verse

By Meg Kearney

Book Overview

The acclaimed story of an adopted teenager's quest to find her place among family, friends, and the wider world. Being adopted is a fact of life in the McLane household: fourteen-year old Lizzie, as well as her older brother and sister were adopted as infants. But facts are not feelings, and what it feels like to be adopted is something Lizzie never dares discuss with her loving parents, let alone with outsiders. Lizzie yearns to confide in others, especially her friend, Peter. Yet something stops her. Will Peter think she is less because her birthmother gave her away? Would telling be disloyal to her adoptive parents? To make sense of her life, Lizzie pours her emotions into her poetry--list poems, sonnets, free verse, sestinas, blues--about her family, best friends, basketball, the dance. Then a tragic accident occurs, and Lizzie knows she must find the courage to speak. In an afterword, the author discusses her own adoption and the beneficial powers of reading and writing poetry. Also included are a guide to the book's poetics and recommended books and links about adoption and poetry.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892553367
• ISBN13: 9780892553365
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Persea Books, Incorporated
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 12 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grade 9 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

The Secret's Out

This book is a great start for those who enjoy poetry and wish to write their own verse novels. She explains the types of poetry and uses her poetry as examples. The story about her feelings about adoption is just fabulous, which makes you feel like you are in her shoes. An easy and enjoyable read.

The Secret Of Me

The Secret of me is a good book that is based on a kid that is adopted. When you start to read this book you wont be able to put it down because its so good. But the best part about this book is the format becasue it is poetry. The Secret of me is a book that all of you should and see what is it like to be adopted.

Beautifully written, very moving

I bought this book at the recommendation of a friend, and was initially concerned that the format (poetry) wouldn't hold me. Turns out it was so engaging and fluid that I couldn't put it down. Like the lead character, I'm adopted and this book really captured the essence of growing up with a "secret me". I laughed and cried, and bought extra copies for friends and family. It's a moving, beautifully written book. Cheers and thank you Meg Kearney!

The Secret's Out

It seems pretty daring to attempt "a novel in verse" for young adults---how many of them read poetry?---but Meg Kearney brings so much passion, narrative skill, technical ability, and insider's insight to this wonderful little book that kids (and adults) will love it. There's a very engrossing story here, told in a novel way. Make that a poetic way. I have friends and relatives who were adopted, and I never felt such understanding and empathy for them as I did after reading this book. I hope "The Secret of Me" gets the attention it deserves.