Synopses & Reviews
A heartrending, bold novel in verse about family, identity, and forgiveness
Mira is just beginning her senior year of high school when she discovers her father with his male lover. Her worldand everything she thought she knew about her familyis shattered instantly. Unable to comprehend the lies, betrayal, and secrets thatunbeknownst to Mirahave come to define and keep intact her familys existence, Mira distances herself from her sister and closest friends as a means of coping. But her fathers sexual orientation isnt all he's kept hidden. A shocking health scare brings to light his battle with HIV. As Mira struggles to make sense of the many fractures in her family's fabric and redefine her wavering sense of self, she must find a way to reconnect with her dadwhile there is still time.
Told in raw, exposed free verse, Skyscraping reminds us that there is no one way to be a family.
Advance praise for SKYSCRAPING:
Skyscraping is brilliant, sharp and bright. A stellar story. Jensen has written a powerful tale about love and loss, a story that will stick with readers long after theyve reached the end. Her poetry is vivid, tangible, and visceral. Shes a rising star with a breathtaking debut. This is a novel made of star stuff.”Skila Brown, author of Caminar
In gorgeous poetic verse, Jensen captures the raw emotions and hard truths of a family dealing with forgiveness and love.... Your heart will soar and break and heal anew.” An Na, author of Printz Award winner and National Book Award finalist A Step from Heaven
Review
Priase for SKYSCRAPING:
“Skyscraping is brilliant, sharp and bright. A stellar story. Jensen has written a powerful tale about love and loss, a story that will stick with readers long after theyve reached the end. Her poetry is vivid, tangible, and visceral. Shes a rising star with a breathtaking debut. This is a novel made of star stuff.”—Skila Brown, author of Caminar
Review
Advanced praise for SKYSCRAPING:
“Skyscraping is brilliant, sharp and bright. A stellar story. Jensen has written a powerful tale about love and loss, a story that will stick with readers long after theyve reached the end. Her poetry is vivid, tangible, and visceral. Shes a rising star with a breathtaking debut. This is a novel made of star stuff.”
—Skila Brown, author of Caminar
“In gorgeous poetic verse, Jensen captures the raw emotions and hard truths of a family dealing with forgiveness and love.... Your heart will soar and break and heal anew.” -An Na, author of Printz Award winner and National Book Award finalist A Step from Heaven
About the Author
Cordelia Jensen was Poet Laureate of Perry County, PA in 2006 and 2007. She holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and teaches creative writing in Philadelphia, where she lives with her husband and children. Follow her on Twitter @cordeliajensen.