books about creativity
The Man in the Ceiling
by Jules Feiffer
Feiffer's hilarious and pointed cartoon strip runs weekly in many papers, and
this was his first book for young people (though he illustrated The Phantom
Tollbooth by Norton Juster). Here, the story is about Jimmy, a boy cartoonist,
who just wants to be recognized for doing something he loves. I dig this book
because it explores the angst that kids feel when their creativity is ignored
or misunderstood. This is a book about what it feels like to finally grow
into your skin.
Teeth
by Hugh Gallagher
Gore Vidal says of this: "Finally, the dental masterpiece we've all been waiting
for." There is hazard in being too cool too soon. Post-postmodern Neil penned
his way to fame in a hip zine called Dusted. Now, he's out of school,
on the run, and in need of extensive dental work. Where does reality fit in when
one is trying to lead a charmed, creative life? When does "cool" become
tiring? Find out in this fast-paced, quirky, mature novel about what happens
to a "chosen", smart kid as he tries to find his way in the real world after
having been cool in the safe ones.
I Was a Teenage Fairy
by Francesca Lia Block
The deeper and darker Francesca Lia Block goes, the better she gets, I think. Here is a
complex story about the healing power of the Muse. Barbie's mother is turning her life
into a living hell -- or at least turning Barbie into a zombie as she shuttles the teen to one
modeling assignment after another. It's obvious early on in this book that Barbie's mother still
wants to play with dolls, except now she uses her real daughter (named appropriately, in fact). Even
when Barbie is molested by a photographer, her mother does nothing to protect or support her. She
is single-mindedly driven to turn Barbie into the star she always wanted to be. What does Barbie think about
all of this? She sits on her rage like an unhatched egg, wishing she could smother it. Then the
Muse arrives... in the form of an impatient, needy, self-involved (but wise) little fairy named Mab.
Mab challenges Barbie -- awakens her, disturbs her, supports her. The
friendship that forms between them is difficult yet playful, and it transforms them both. This
sparkling story will inspire readers to believe in and befriend the small, creative voice inside themselves.
Girl Goddess #9
by Francesca Lia Block
If you're a fan of Block's lyric Weetzie Bat novels, treat yourself to this collection of stories
by the author. It's as if Block blossoms before our very eyes as each story unfolds and we meet
new characters from her inner world. Few young adult authors talk as frankly about love and
sensual yearnings as Block does; however, here the underlying theme uniting all of these stories is
the power of self-love and self-respect. Who is the real goddess in Francesca Lia Block's world?
Any girl brave enough to honor the depths in her heart, face her longings with compassion, and
sing her truth proudly. Is that you? Read Girl Goddess #9 and reclaim the goddess inside of you.
