Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits

Blue Lipstick: Concrete Jungle
John Grandits

Grandits, John. 2007. Blue Lipstick: Concrete Jungle. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN: 9780618568604.

This book of poetry tells the high school life of Jessie in the most unconventional way, which is the beauty of this work of fictional poetry. Functioning more like stream of thought versus traditional poetry this book takes the high school experience and puts it into expressive thought and diction. Grandits truly seems to understand the teenage girl high school experience and reflects that in his work. Covering topics such as volleyball practice, English assignments, and siblings, Jessie’s life makes those that have already lived through high school never want to relive it. At the same time those that are in high school will fully identify with the issues that span the pages.

Not following any traditional rhyme or scheme, the poetry presented in this book is meant to mimic one thing, the tumultuous teenage life. The arrangement of the poems on the page are a visual synonym to the poems they represent, full of angst and tumult. For instance the poem titled, “Silver Spandex”, which is about a guitar is written in the shape of a guitar.

The language used in this book mimics that of a high school girl as if one had really written the words. Using carefully crafted sentences and words, the poems speak to the reader, knowing they will understand. There is no group left out in the book, all are represented and carefully strewn across the page. The imagery of this book is the crux of the book. The images are the poems and the poems are the images. Without both there would be a loss of distinction and understanding. The creativity is so spectacular it is hard to put in words how the book works and why.

Emotion is running rampant through the book. Whether the reader is a teenager, young adult or grandparent, all of the themes in this book are real and invoke an involuntary emotional response. The reader can feel and relate to every piece they read.

Gathering many positive reviews and awards, this book reaches audiences of every type.

"This irreverent, witty collection should resonate with a wide audience." School Library Journal, Starred.
"A cover that'll grab adolescent girls' attention--and the poetry inside is equally appealing." Horn Book.
2008 honor book for the Lee Bennett Hopkins Award

Readers who loved this book of poetry will also enjoy the book told from Jessie’s brothers point of view: Technically, It's Not My Fault: Concrete Poems.

This book struck a chord with me from the very first poem. I could identify with every word that was written. As was mentioned in the review these poems are creative and truthful and really speak to the inner emotions that teens may want to keep hidden. It took me straight back to that time in my life and made me realize that while it was horrible at the time it really shaped the person I am today. This book would make a great gift for the sullen teenager that a parent does not know how to connect with. It would show that the understanding is there and that they are not alone with how they feel.