WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW by Sonya Sones

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sones, Sonya. 2003. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN

0689855532

PLOT SUMMARY

This series of poems tells the story of Sophie who tells her relationships with different boys.  She shares her first experiences of love as she is on a quest for Mr. Right.  Sophie discuses her relationships with her family, friends, and boys as she goes through the struggles on her way to adulthood.  Throughout this journey she struggles to understand as well as be understood by her mother. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Sone’s writes through the using beautiful poetry and also uses narrative poetry throughout.  She has created characters teens are able to relate to.  She captures the essence and nervousness associated with dating as a young adult, the jealously of friends, the hurt of realizing the feels you had are not there anymore, and finding the strength to follow your heart.  Readers are able to relate to the protagonist and the issues she faces involving her family and friends.  Young adults will all face these issues at one point or another in their lifetime.  Reluctant readers will be drawn to this book and will not be able to put it down.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)/AWARDS

*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, October 2001

*BOOKLIST, November 2001: “Fast, funny, touching.”    

*PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, October 2001: “Honest…destined to captivate.”

*KIRKUS REVEWIS, September 2001: “A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction.”

*NEW YORK TIMES, September 2001

*A Junior Library Guild Selection

*American Library Association 2002 Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

*American Library Association 2002 Best Book for Young Adults

EXEMPLARY OR FAVORITE LINES

*Grace says, “Are you thirsty?

I could go get the hose…”

I say, “Thanks. But I’d rather have a swig of some Miracle-Gro.”

 *“Walking with Murphy
through the bone-freezing chill
toward the bus stop,
I start shivering.

And somehow,
when he slips his arm around me
to warm me up,
it feels right.

Righter than anything ever has.”