Stand by for some awesomeness. Are you ready? Boom.
Now that I have your attention by this gorgeous cover, let me give you the stats. This awesome novel in verse was written by a friend and fellow VCFA alum, the fabulous Cordelia Jensen.
But wait, there’s more. Check out the synopsis for Skyscraping:
A heartrending, bold novel in verse about family, identity, and forgiveness
Mira is just beginning her senior year of high school when she discovers her father with his male lover. Her world–and everything she thought she knew about her family–is shattered instantly. Unable to comprehend the lies, betrayal, and secrets that–unbeknownst to Mira–have 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 dad–while there is still time.
Told in raw, exposed free verse, Skyscraping reminds us that there is no one way to be a family.
And check out this blurb:
Skyscraping is 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.
—Skila Brown, author of Caminar
Skyscraping, edited by Liza Kaplan and published by Philomel, debuts June 2, 2015. But you can preorder it right here. Look for it on Goodreads also.
If you live in the Philadelphia area, you can preorder Skyscraping from the Big Blue Marble Bookstore. Email orders@bigbluemarblebooks.com or call 215-844-1870. In January, you also can preorder Skyscraping at Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores.
Stay tuned! Cordelia will be interviewed on the blog a little closer to the pub date for Skyscraping. In the meantime, you can catch up with her at her website and Twitter. Here’s more about Cordelia:
Cordelia Allen Jensen graduated with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2012. Cordelia was Poet Laureate of Perry County in 2006 and 2007. She is a Writer in Residence at the Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Philadelphia where she teaches creative writing classes for kids and teens and conducts author interviews for their blog. She also teaches in the creative writing department at Bryn Mawr College. Cordelia is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger, Inc.
Sounds gritty and great 🙂
It is both, Andy! I remember her reading selections from it. So beautiful!
OMG. This cover is just GORGEOUS. I can’t wait for Skyscraping to come out!!
Me too, Sandra! Would love to see other Gardener book children too. 🙂
Sounds like an excitingly emotional story and the cover looks amazing.
I love to see book babies born! 😀
A gorgeous cover for a gorgeous novel!
So true, Laurie! 😀
Thanks for introducing us to Cordelia and her book, Marie. The cover is amazing and the synopsis has me wanting to know more.
Thanks, Jill. It is a beautifully written book. I’m so happy for Cordelia!
Can’t waaaaait! The cover is amazing.
Yay! And I’d love to have a cover reveal for your book someday. 🙂
I am thrilled! I can’t wait to read it!!
It will look lovely on my bookshelf. 🙂
I love that cover, and I can’t wait to read the book and review it for The Pirate Tree. I remember all the readings from VCFA, and they were amazing!
I remember them too, Lyn. Seeing the finished product will be fun!
Can’t wait! The cover really is lovely.
Yes!!! I remember Cordelia’s readings. Seeing the printed book will be fun.
Thanks so much everyone!
Glad to have your cover on the blog!!!
Ooh, sounds amazing! That cover, that story, and in verse too! Wow!
Yes. And it is extremely compelling!!! I can’t wait for people to have this book in their hands.
This cover reminds me of my most recent NY Magazine. They feature a teenager who climbs tall buildings and bridges to photograph his dangling feet. Vertigo is a great way to grab the attention. The cover is striking.
Oh my word! I hope the climbing of tall buildings doesn’t become a fad! Just thinking about that makes me dizzy!
I know!! I really had a hard time looking at the pictures. This one, though, is perfect.
Plus I see what a great book cover can “tease” the visual senses. Sounds like a terrific book!! 🙂
So true. And it is indeed a terrific book. 🙂
I love the cover. Congratulations, Cordelia. And “hello” to a fellow graduate of VCFA.
It’s lovely when VCFAers come together. 🙂