An edgy, provocative, superb collection of poems about the human body offers young adult readers many opportunities to consider how body image affects perceptions of self and others. “In life we have to come to terms not only with an inner self, but also with the outer one,” writes compiler Patrice Vecchione in her introduction. “The body and the mind cohabitate, and hence this book of poems about who the body is, what the body does, how we feel and what we think about it.” From hair to hands, body parts to the body whole, Vecchione has selected poems that illuminate sensuality and sexuality, pride and shame, love and hate, life and death, and more. This collection that does not shy away from mature content, or from the belief that teens can read these poems, think about them, and come away with a deeper understanding—and perhaps appreciation -- of the human body in its myriad forms. (Age 15 and older)

The first poetry anthology for teens to address one of their foremost concerns-the body.

Experienced anthologist and teacher Patrice Vecchione has put together an immensely powerful group of poems, all of which address a unifying theme of major interest to teens-the body. Drawing on poems both serious and silly and poets from Shakespeare to Lucille Clifton, The Body Eclectic looks at what our bodies are, what they are not, how we love them and taunt them, what they give us, and what they take away.

A wonderful collection of poems on a hot topic for teens, and a perfect gift and companion in one of the most universal struggles of adolescence.