How to (Un)Cage a Girl

I read some of this in a 2008 Cosmo girl magazine and it was so inspirational! I thought that it really talked about the problems and self confidence issues that teenage girls have. I read one in which a girl was comparing herself to a popoular girl, and the things she talked about were so true. This book is so good and it forces you to realize and to imagine things you did not realize before. Its a great read for any teenage girl and if they're ready for it, any guy!!

Reviewed by Taylor Kokemuller (age 14) for Reader Views (2/09) This is a three-part poetry collection from the author of "The Wezzie Bat" books. The first part called "Years from the Asylum" is poetry for when you are growing up. The second part called "In the Lair of the Toxic Blonde" is mostly about college years and the last part called "Love Poems for Girls" is when a woman is older and ends with her wish for her daughter. I do like to read some poetry and have read poetry in school. My favorite poems were one called `popular girl' which is about asking questions to a popular girl and realizing she is just like you; I also liked one called `like pretty' which was about how she wants to feel pretty about herself. Francesca Lia Block is a good writer and I think girls would really like "How to (Un)Cage a Girl," even if they don't like poetry because it doesn't feel like you are reading poetry. Make comment on weblog

HOW TO (UN)CAGE A GIRL is a short collection of poetry for and about girls. Told in three parts, these poems deal with many facets of life that women must deal with, from being a teen to becoming an adult. This is a book about life: the ups and downs, the pressure, the joys, the pain. This tiny book includes it all. I enjoyed the book very much, and found the modern approach to poetry to be interesting and refreshing. It was a bit hard to understand at parts, but definitely enjoyable overall. One of my favorite entries in this collection was one titled Media Queenz, which addresses all the singers and actresses that girls tend to idolize. I think the following line from this poem explains it best: "where were our pradas? our pouts? our captivating glances? only later we would grow up and realize that these women were just women" This is a perfect novel for any girl who ever felt unworthy or like they didn't fit in. We are all our own people, and this book celebrates that. With the holidays approaching, this small book would make a great stocking stuffer, as well! Reviewed by: Lauren Ashley

HOW TO UN(CAGE) A GIRL FRANCESCA LIA BLOCK Rating: 4.5 Enchantments ...choose to believe in your own myth your own glamour your own spell a young woman who does this (even if she is just pretending) has everything.... This is just a taste of what awaits the reader in Francesca Lia Block's new collection of poetry that celebrates the journey of a girl growing up. Block's collection of poems is both powerful and moving. The words flow like magic, hitting a cord on emotions such as loss, growing up, and death of a father to cancer. The theme is universal and the voice is authentic and true. I love Block's poetry. Her poems in this collection touched me; especially the one titled pain is like an onion. Who ever suffered a broken heart can relate with this message. Not all of the poems deal with sad issues. There's also hope. Block talks about believing in yourself and your own beauty. Not what the world considers beautiful but the beauty that's within. My only complaint is this book ended too soon. This slim poetry collection is a must have for fans of Block and those who love a good poetry book. Francesca Lia Block is the author of many acclaimed and bestselling books, including WEETZIE BAT, DANGEROUS ANGELS, and PSYCHE IN A DRESS. You can find out more about her by visiting her website at www.francescaliablock.com Kim ENCHANTING REVIEWS August 2008