Broken Hearts

I went to a writers conference with fellow author Robert Hankes and asked a panel of literary agents, "What are you seeing too much of, and what do you want to see more of." Amy Nielsen, author and literary agent, gave the same response to both parts of the question. "Romance." Apparently, romance novels are one of the most popular genres out there, and teens can't get enough.

Flipped by WendelinVan Draanen has won a number of awards and been made into a movie. Although it came out in 2017, the novel does a good job of realistically portraying the angst and absurdity of middle school crushes. The first time Juli saw young Bryce, she flipped. But the first time he saw her, he ran. Their friendship changes over the years to where Bryce finally sees something in Juli that he missed before. Unfortunately, her switch has flipped.

https://www.wendelinvand.com

Heart Disease

It’s a killer

and it usually starts when you’re fourteen.

            Your first dance –

            Your first kiss –

            Your first break up.

What you need to remember

is that young hearts are resilient

and will continue beating.

D. Smith