FALLING HARD: 100 LOVE POEMS BY TEENAGERS edited by Betsy Franco

Review by Christi De Leon

a.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Franco, Betsy. Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2008. ISBN 9780763648396

b.     SUMMARY & CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This poetry collection of 100 poems is written by teenaged poets and compiled by Betsy Franco. The poems express a variety of viewpoints, and are related to love in many different ways.

In this poetry anthology, readers will find varying perspectives of love as told by teenagers. The specifics in the poems derive from both thoughts and real-life experiences with a blend of emotions from passion to pain. Many of the poets take an honest approach and do not hold back in the way they share their feelings. Some poems are rather blunt at times. Diversity is embraced as evident through various cultures, backgrounds and sexual orientations. The poem called “Who I Am and What I Need” by Anonymous is one of many examples. Some relationships described are also interracial. Overall, this book addresses many important aspects of diversity through poetry. Varying in length, the poems consist of quality writing, mostly free verse.

This anthology is sure to have something relevant for those who are in the adolescent years. Written by teens themselves, teen readers can relate because the poets speak their language. This book also gives students the opportunity to understand one another despite differences. Additionally, it has the potential to inspire teens by conveying that they have a voice. Through reading this anthology, teens are likely to see the ability to express oneself through poetry as well. These poems were sent by email from within the U.S. and other countries. The names and ages of each poet are given following each poem. Useful features include contents listing the page number of each poem, an introduction to the book, credits and acknowledgements.

c.    POEM TO SPOTLIGHT & SHARE

“Love is Like” by Hector Jasso

the sweetness of honey

falling from a bee hive

You have to be careful

Not to get stung.

“Love is Like” is one of the shorter poems in the collection. However, it still exemplifies the quality poetry of this collection as a whole. This poem also acts as an analogy that compares love to the honey from a bee hive. The details evoke sense imagery, such as the taste of the “sweetness of honey” and the feeling of getting “stung.” Overall, the simplicity of this poem makes it great as an introduction to further reading and writing of poetry.

This poem could be shared as a way to encourage teens to think deeply about the topic of love in general, stimulating different emotions among individuals. As a follow-up, students could write their own love comparison. Writers can make their poem as heartfelt or lighthearted as they wish. This opportunity could also show teens how they can express themselves through poetry in the future.