On her fourth birthday Penny received a globe from her mother: "If you ever need me ...just remember I'll always be somewhere on here." Two weeks later her mother left, never to return. In a powerful verse novel, Penny charts the landscape of her high-school years - her older sister's wild ways, her best friend's descent into depression, her first boyfriend's accidental death, her crush on a teacher, her father's new marriage, her protective relationship of her younger stepbrother, and, always, her longing for her missing mother. Overcome by the pain in her life, Penny runs away with her sister's ex-boyfriend, but realizes it's a mistake and returns home to heal.

My 80th read of 2006.

I really enjoyed this read. The verse-style writing of the book made it easy to get through, and it told so much! It was sad about Denise, but I'm glad Penny visited her in the end.

My favorite "chapter" was Short Lifespan. I loved the metaphor.

Heading out to kbgoffe this week.

I am very late in making my journal entry on this book. Once I have more time I will make a proper one. Thanks for sharing this book!