Skyscraping

A heartrending, bold novel in verse about family, identity, andforgiveness Mira is just beginning her senior year of high school when she discovers her father with his male lover. Her worldand everything she thought she knew about her familyis shattered instantly. Unable to comprehend the lies, betrayal, and secrets thatunbeknownst to Mirahave come to define and keep intact her family's existence, Mira distances herself from her sister and closest friends as a means of coping. But her father's sexual orientation isn't all he's kept hidden. A shocking health scare brings to light his battle with HIV. As Mira struggles to make sense of the many fractures in her family's fabric and redefine her wavering sense of self, she must find a way to reconnect with her dadwhile there is still time.Told in raw, exposed free verse,Skyscrapingreminds usthat there is no one way to be a family.Praise for SKYSCRAPING:* "e;Exquisite free-verse poems…illuminating and deeply felt."e;Booklist *STARRED*';This book should be popular with fans of Sarah Dessen and would be a worthy addition to most high school library collections.'VOYA"e;Jensen's spare free-verse poems and accessible imagery realistically portray the fraught moments of adolescent identity formation with great empathy. Compelling snapshots of contemporary family drama and the AIDS epidemic as captured through a teen's eyes."e;Kirkus Reviews"e;Written in straightforward, accessible free verse tinged with celestial metaphors, this story--set in a well-rendered 1993 NYC--is sincere, touching, and heartwrenching."e;Horn Book"e;It left me speechless.Skyscrapingis like a regular book with wings."e;Becky Albertalli, author of National Book Award finalistSimon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda"e;In gorgeous poetic verse, Jensen captures the raw emotions and hard truths of a family dealing with forgiveness and love…. Your heart will soar and break and heal anew."e;An Na, author of Printz Award winner and National Book Award finalistA Step from Heaven"e;Skyscrapingis brilliant, sharp and bright. A stellar story. Jensen has written a powerful tale about love and loss, a story that will stick with readers long after they've reached the end. Her poetry is vivid, tangible, and visceral. She's a rising star with a breathtaking debut. This is a novel made of star stuff."e;Skila Brown, author ofCaminarFrom the Hardcover edition.