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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Stickboy, by Shane Koyczan. Published by House of Parlance Media Inc., Vancouver. 2008. $22.50 ages 14 and up


"grandma told me
'young man you can't be concerned
with whatever it is they've got
the only reason they think they're beautiful
is the same reason
they think you're not
and young man
you have beauty beyond measure
you are a treasure entrenched in this earth
you can't let strangers determine your worth
rise and shine'"

Few books that I have read this year will have the same impact as this disquieting book of slam poetry has had. Shane Koyczan has created a cast of characters that will resonate with readers long after they have read his dark and agonizing story of bullying and his unshakable images. There was absolutely no stopping once I started reading. I immediately bought a copy for both of my kids and have recommended it to friends who work in high school libraries and classrooms. It should be a part of the reading in every high school classroom. It sent me to the internet to find out more about the author and then to YouTube to hear him perform. I have chosen to include many of his observations in my own notebook and would love nothing better than to share some of them with you. I hope I have inspired you to see if you can check it out at the library. It is certainly worth your attention!

In one review of this heartbreaking book, the suggestion was made that it should be picked up by Scholastic and made available on a much larger scale because of its readability and the need to share it with high school students and beyond. I agree.

Find Shane on YouTube and hear this young man as he shares his poetry with his fans all over the world. At 30 he has so much more time to refine his craft and be heard.

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