Kiss of Broken Glass

Gr 9 Up—This novel in verse offers snapshots of a teen girl's thoughts and experiences while under mandatory psychiatric watch after being caught in the school bathroom cutting herself. As she struggles to come to terms with whether or not her problem can be classified as an addiction, Baker tries to put her situation in perspective by comparing it to those of the other teens she meets in the hospital psych ward. In flashbacks, readers witness her strained family relationships and her difficulty in finding a group of friends at school, all triggers leading up to her self-harm issues. Each word of the narrative is carefully chosen and the imagery is vivid and descriptive, offering readers a moving story about a serious issue. Mild language and scenes of mutilation are included, adding authenticity to the characterization and the treatment of the subject. The ending is fairly open-ended making this story a great discussion starter for teens, families, and educators. Back matter includes a note in which the author discusses her inspiration for writing this difficult tale. A resources section with reliable websites and phone numbers for anyone struggling with self-harm issues is included.—Samantha Lumetta, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH