Because I Am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Pages: 352

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: real life / verse

Notes for Parents: Themes of abuse

The Back Cover

Anke’s father is abusive to her brother and sister. But not her. Because to him, she is like furniture—part of the background, invisible. Then Anke makes the school volleyball team.

As Anke learns to call for the ball on the court, she finds a voice that she never knew she had. For the first time, Anke is making herself seen and heard, working toward the day that she will be able to speak up loud enough to rescue everyone at home—including herself.

What the Back Cover doesn’t tell you:

This book is written in verse (a series of poems).

What’s good?

This compelling story begins as a dark and disturbing account of abuse and neglect, but grows into a tale of hope and, ultimately, of triumph. The verse-style makes for quick and easy reading, and the poems themselves are, at times, distressing, but always poignant and beautifully written. Anke and her siblings are heartbreakingly real.

Best Part: The poetry.

What’s not so good?

Some readers may not care for the poetry, but I don’t think it could have been written any other way.

Worst part: None.

Recommendations þþþþo

This is an inspiring story of a girl who finds her voice. It’s beautifully written in verse that’s easy to understand. Highly recommended.

Chaltas, Thalia. Because I Am Furniture. New York: Speak, 2009