The novel Burned by Ellen Hopkins is part of a two-book series that revolves around a teen protagonist dealing with an abusive father and finding love along the way. One of the main reasons I chose to read this book is because it’s formatted in the style of a poem. I am a fan of poems, so reading a poem-based book with a plot and characters was truly enjoyable. The poems are mysterious; they don’t give a lot of detail but you can understand and imagine the scenario in your head. The wording and pacing between each stanza are what developed the story and characters so the reader grows attached and sympathizes with the endeavors of the protagonist. If you truly want to get heartbroken then this book is just for you, because the unfortunate tragedies that befall the protagonist are saddening and frustrating. The vocabulary used in the book is quite advanced and I found myself sometimes searching the words up, however, reading through this is quick since I, myself, finished it within three hours. It might seem long, but overall it’s enjoyable since each page contains a short poem that adds to the plot. I’d give this book a rating of five because it’s just amazing and wonderful. I love stories in which the protagonists fight against adversaries, but also face realistic consequences and tragedies by their actions. I also love the personal growth the main character goes through, it shapes her into someone stronger and she learns from the lessons given to her. The ending leaves you in the cliffhanger, which made me craving for the second book which I recommend finishing because it ties off all the loose ends left in the first book. Her novels have inspired me to write my own feelings, because these poems, whether it be one sentence to multiple stanzas, really show the depth of emotions from the writer herself and her characters.

Review by: Michelle C.

Michelle is a volunteer for Teen'Scape and is in the 12th Grade.

—Amanda Charles, Young Adult Librarian, Teen'Scape, Central Library