Bookmarked: Teen Essays on Life and Literature from Tolkien to Twilight

• Yadira finds comfort in the poem 'In Memoriam' while mourning the loss of her grandfather
• While struggling with his sexuality, AJ discovered clarity and wisdom in 'The House on Mango Street'
• Kaylee saw a surprising ray of hope in the darkness of her parents' divorce, and felt a connection to Bella in 'Twilight'

In 50 compelling essays, young people from a wide range of backgrounds reflect on how words from literature connect with and influence their lives, goals, and personal philosophies. Essays explore character building topics including suffering the death of a parent, facing a life-threatening illness, letting go of perfectionism, making friends, reaching goals, and grappling with questions of identity.

Books cited range from The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby to Twilight and The Fellowship of the Ring. Each essay includes a brief biographical sketch letting readers know where the essay writer is now.

Teen readers will recognise themselves in these essays and will learn more about their peers. In addition, teachers, guidance counsellors, and parents working with teens on the personal essay will find a varied, intriguing selection of essays in this non-fiction book for teens to use as samples, models, and inspiration.

Questions to prompt conversation, writing, and deeper consideration of the issues raised follow each group of essays, and the back matter includes a brief leader's guide with tips and ideas for using the book with students.

Suggested Reading Grades 9+