Split Image [Paperback]

Mel Glenn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 28, 2002

Everyone has an image of Laura Li, the most popular girl in school: "stone hearted", "warmhearted", "conceited deceiver", "humble achiever", "a virgin", "the hottest girl in the world".

Award-winning poet Mel Glenn weaves a brilliant web of authentic voices in this riveting story, told in poetry, about what happens when one teenage girl is denied the freedom to determine her own identity.

2001 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA) and Books for the Teen Age 2001 (NYPL)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Laura Li seems perfect in every way--beautiful, kind, smart. At her job in the school library she is smiling and helpful to everyone, and at home she cares for her ailing brother like a dutiful Asian daughter. But after midnight a very different Laura Li secretly sneaks out to wild dance clubs--desperate to escape from the pressures exerted by her cold, demanding mother and her absent father. Her teachers and the other kids reveal themselves in these short poems as they wonder about Laura, and two boys even write her love poetry, but a few people are beginning to suspect she may be on a collision course with herself. "It is time, perhaps," Laura thinks bitterly, "to dance without stopping at the bar of heaven's gate."

Mel Glenn adds another tale from Tower High to his growing list of verse novels: Who Killed Mr. Chippendale?, Jump Ball, The Taking of Room 114, and Foreign Exchange. A veteran high-school English teacher, Glenn draws on his own experiences with thousands of students to produce these collections of short poems told in many different multiracial and multiethnic voices. With just a few lines of verse, he is able to create unique characters whose lives extend beyond the page, characters in which teens will recognize themselves and their friends. (Age 11 and older) --Patty Campbell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-This novel is about stereotypes, misconceptions, and public vs. private personas. The central figure is Laura Li, an immigrant from China whose life revolves around Tower High School and her family responsibilities. Her businessman father is never around and, in speaking to her mother, the girl says, "-Mother, I will do anything you ask,/To prove that a second-born/Can take first place in your heart." She wonders where to turn for an identity, a purpose. In another selection, she states, "I think God has an answering machine./He's never home, though,-./In the meantime, I wonder,/Does He ever check His messages?" The poems and dialogue exchanges, many of which take place in the library, provide glimpses of classmates, faculty, and family, and all offer insights into Laura Li's life, as well as the life the others think she leads. The action is easy to follow, and although there are too many characters for any of them to be developed in much depth, their entries help to flesh out the story line. The narrative shifts gears several times, and readers may be caught off guard by the teen's suicide. A powerful look at perceptions and what lies behind them.
Sharon Korbeck, Waupaca Area Public Library, WI
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (May 28, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060004819
• ISBN-13: 978-0060004811
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,787,925 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story in a unique format!, July 6, 2000

By 

Spring Lea E. Henry "Ellorien" (Colorado Springs, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Split Image (Hardcover)

This book would be a great addition to any YA collection.Although it is classified as "poetry," the entries are notat all obscured by high literary style. They read as fresh, high-school penned poetry ought to and should appeal to many students.

Part of this appeal lies in the controversial subject matter. The relationships between Laura Li and her mother, her brother, other students, and the school's librarian are both realistic and easily conveyed through each person's point of view. I found myself constantly wanting Laura Li to connect with someone--anyone--on a deeper level. The answer to whether or not she ever does will leave you breathless!

Thank you, Mel Glenn, for a fine, fine read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Type of Book, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Split Image (Hardcover)

I think that this book will appeal to people who truly enjoy reading and literature. In my view, it is a one of a kind, since it tells a story in a poem, rather than in pros. This gives it a sort of sing-song feel. The story itself is also very good, telling how a girl who looked so perfect to everyone on the outside, actually had many problems brewing inside, leading to a tragic end.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't Juge A Book By Its Cover, November 18, 2001

By 

Nicole (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Split Image (Hardcover)

When I picked up this book I was sure I wouldn't like it because I'm not a big fan of poetry. But I read it anyway, thinking that I should at least give it a chance. I'm so glad I did! Even though this book is written in poetry form it's just like reading a book, except it's better. One reason I think this sounded better in poetry form is because that way you can see what everyone thinks of Laura Li. Some people love her, some people hate her, and some people just don't understand her.

From the outside looking in it seems like she has the perfect life. But she doesn't. She feels trapped in her life, being everything everyone wants her to be. So she starts sneaking out in the middle of the night, dancing in clubs with strange men. As you read further into the book her life get darker and darker then it had before. Dragging you deeper and deeper into her innermost thoughts. . .