Teeny Little Grief Machines

by Linda Oatman High

Like watching a movie frame by frame, we watch Lexi come unglued in this novel in verse. She's alienated from school and family. Her father is in the county jail. She cannot connect with her chain-smoking stepmom. Her brother, Blaine, is trapped in his own autistic world. And her infant sister's death has sent her into a spiral of grief and rebellion. Bright, witty, and irreverent, Lexi tries to navigate the rocky transition from adolescent to young woman.
Just like prose, a novel in verse tells a story. But verse is unique because readers access the text through short "chapters," or poems. The varying lengths of the chapters are ideal for a struggling reader, giving them breaks to collect their thoughts, to imagine the characters in their mind's eye, and to set the scene--like a frame in a movie. The structure of poetry makes the books appear less intimidating, with plenty of airy white space. Moreover, the depth and substance conveyed in verse is every bit as deep and real as in a Gravel Road prose novel.

Genres: Poetry, Young Adult, Novel In Verse, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, Teen, Grief

243 pages, Paperback

First published July 25, 2014

Reviews

[Eden Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told entirely in poetry written by the narrator, Lexi, the latest "Gravel Road" novel in verse from Saddleback Publishing is a heartfelt personal journey through hardship, drama, and pain.

Life is really screwed up for sixteen year-old Lexi (rhymes with sexy). Her real mom is gone and her dad is in jail for drunk driving. Lexi's stepmom hates her, her little half-brother Blaine has autism and is a complete wreck, and the entire family is still recovering of the sudden death of newborn Clarissa Grace almost a year ago. At school Lexi finds solace with Ms. Rose, a guidance counselor, and sometimes with the cool, tattooed librarian. She paints and writes to express her grief and depression.

But when her semi-friends start bullying her and Ms. Rose inexplicably disappears Lexi can't handle school any more. Lexi breaks down and the new counselor calls in the hospital - Lexi has a rehabilitating stay in the mental health ward. Suddenly, she is reborn - she is happy, optimistic, and doesn't want to paint everything a depressing shade of blue. In the end, Lexi joins an after-school art and book club run by the cool librarian (awesome!) and meets a boy that she befriends and falls in love with. While her life hasn't completely changed - her parents are still idiots, her brother still needs constant supervision, and her grades are awful - Lexi has a new outlook on life and a new friend.

The story is told through poetry that Lexi writes herself. There is rhyme, but not always. There is repetition and alliteration, when appropriate. The verse isn't overpowering or inexplicable. It's easy to read, but also really captivating. It captures your attention and keeps you turning the pages, wondering what is going to happen to Lexi next. The verse also clearly portray's Lexi's personality, and I loved her attitude and outlook on her home and school. The story is like Lexi's journal, told in poetry; a year of her struggling life documents in little words scribbled on paper.

I loved the poetry. It told Lexi's story so well, in a way that will be easily accessible to readers of any level. While those looking for a deep, complex story with some intense poetry might be disappointed - that isn't the point of this book. "Gravel Road" stories are about being accessible - to readers at a low level, with only a little time, or with a lot more on their mind than just books. TEENY LITTLE GRIEF MACHINES is a great little book with a lot to say about staying positive no matter what life throws at you.

[Kearstin Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I loved this book. Even though it was written in poems I think it made me understand it better. Teens with depression or some other kind of mental illness or problem usually turn to writing to get their problems off their chest. The poems were deep with emotion and the author made it so we could imagine what Lexi (girl in story) was going through. I even liked how the author made the font change between big and small or even out of order on the page. Made it seem like there was more emotion and a little confusion from a teens view.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was on my wish list for years - I didn't want to purchase it, and the libraries did not have hard copies. Finally, after suggesting it for an ebook (Thank you, SDCL!) it was finally available for me to read via my Kindle.

It was a nice story, just sad. It's not particularly memorable, so I doubt it will stick with me for very long. I'm still glad I was able to read it.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many teens turn to writing, especially poetry, to clarify their responses to their experiences and emotions. Lexi’s story, told through brief poems, describe her struggles to deal with her shattered, dysfunctional family, her infant sister’s grief, and her autistic brother, Blaine. Each poem is a window the witty, intelligent, and irreverent young woman as she tries to make sense of life’s challenges.

Teens, particularly reluctant readers, may be drawn to the less intimidating impression poetry provides readers: lots of white space, short “chapters” (i.e., poems), with many breaks to collect their thoughts. Even when a reader opens the text and reads randomly, Lexi’s life provides plenty of substance for reflection and feedback.

“Teeny Little Grief Machines,” could describe the people profiled in Lexi’s spare lines. The phrase is also an accurate depiction of the poems themselves, brief glimpses into a grief-ridden teen’s life.

[Melissapalmer404 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book #32 Read in 2016
Teeny Little Grief Machines by Linda Oatman High

This is a good YA verse novel. The main character, Lexi, is struggling with her incarcerated father, her stepmother, her autistic brother and the death of her baby sister, on top of the normal trials and tribulations of high school. This book is emotionally raw and will hook readers instantly. A quick read because of the format, it is layered and deep. High school readers and adults would be the ideal audience for this book. I recommend it.

[Jordan Finch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally I loved this book. Even though it was written in poems I think it made me understand it better. Teens with depression or some other kind of mental illness or problem usually turn to writing to get their problems off their chest.The poems were deep with emotion and the author made it so we could imagine what Lexi was going through. I like the main character the most because I feel like I can connect with her on a personal level. Once I started reading the book it was very hard for me to put it down. I enjoyed reading the book in verse. I did not have a favorite part of the book because I liked all of it. There was some parts I did not care for at times because they left me at a cliff hanger before I turned the page. This book made me cry in some of the parts but then the very next page would make me laugh. I loved the way the story developed, It wasn't fast and it wasn't slow. The way that the main character, Lexi, developed was also really good. I feel like I was able to know her and understand how she was feeling and how she experienced life. I would give this book a 4.5 rating because it was a good read but at the same time it was kind of easy and I wish it was a little more challenging. In the end I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first poetry book (type? Idk) so don't take my review too serious bc honestly I don't know what I'm talking about and just here to vibe.

I am so mixed like it's almost confusing... I can't decide between 4 stars or 2??? (How is that possible)
Alright, so this is a story told by poems. I thought it was well constructed and there is nothing objectively wrong with it. I think it would be a four-star because in some ways I could relate and it is very creative but 2 stars because of the ENDING (edit: Also I did not vibe with the main character because of some things but whatever...)so It's a 3 ⭐⭐⭐ (stars)

Honestly, I'm so tired and the best way I can describe this book is by these three songs

- The Night We Met by Lord Huron
- YEAH RIGHT by Joji
- You're Not Special, Babe by Orla Gartland

So would I reread? Possibly maybe just to annotate
Would I recommend? Depends on who you are


IF YOU ARE INTRESTED
IN READING THIS BOOK
LOOK AT
TRIGGER WARNINGS!

SO that's all byee!

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel-in-verse sketches out the austere details of Lexi McLeen's life. It addresses both the external difficulties of family dysfunction and bullying and the internal difficulties of self-hatred and despair. The plot and characters are perhaps a little melodramatic, but Lexi's poetry feels as authentically angsty and uneven in quality as it should for a girl in high school. I can see how, for a teenager in a similar situation to Lexi's (especially one who is a reluctant reader), this book would be a good fit.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this is the first novel in verse that I've read. I was skeptical at first as I'm particular about my poetry, but I really enjoyed it. It was a very quick read, but there was a definite plot that the novel worked through and I felt the poetry really expressed who the girl was and what her life was like. I would have liked a little more explanation about her treatment and how she made it out of this dark place, but the spare plot worked well over all.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Pretty good, it tells the story of a girl facing grief and a shitty family, and how she redeemed her life at the end. While it was a good book overall, it was not a 4 or 5 star worthy book, in my opinion. Quick read but tells a story about mental health and how we need to communicate with others how we feel before it’s too late or a person does something they’ll regret. If you like mental health books this one is a good representation in poem form prose.

[BunnyDollz · Rating 1 out of 5]

alright so
i started this book, lord oh lord. I HATED IT! I COULDN’T STAND IT!, but i held hope…IT NEVER. GOT. BETTER. it was shallow, and she went from this troubled girl who suddenly gets all better over a boy, i wanted to see the raw anger, the raw feelings, and a stupid boy took it from us, made her suddenly ALL BETTER god it was the damsel in distress ratcheted up.

[Maureen Kesterson-Yates · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for more of an Ellen Hopkins feel, but while this book had topics that should be talked about in YA fiction it covers them entirely too quickly.

She goes from having issues to being completely fine with hardly any character progress.

Wasn't super impressed.

[Jaim · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a quick read, and while I typically don’t mind books written in a poetic format, this one just fell flat for me. There was very little depth, the story resolved so quickly (and unbelievably), and the rhyming (at times) felt forced and distracting.

[Kacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good illustration of how trauma manifests in us all. A quick read in verse. My only complaint is that I feel like sometimes the author focused too much on trying to rhyme that she lost her natural cadence of writing.

[Becca House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very great! However i wish it didnt end like that i wanted more details.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars

[Alli Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUPER dark. I’m exploring verse novels for my students’ verse novel unit coming up and I think this will start great discussions about mental health and coping.

[Mel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, fast paced read in verse poetry. Linda Oatman High makes you feel for Lexi. As well as reminding the reader what it is like to feel like a teenager with so much angst. A must for any high school classroom library.

[Roshni · Rating 1 out of 5]

....bad? not sure what to say actually. the writing was bad enough for me to not get far enough into the story to judge it. it was not poetry, just sentences in weird places on the page that rhymed.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

begins depressing, but gets better

[kerrycat · Rating 3 out of 5]

First person poems by sixteen year old Lexi, who has an alcoholic dad who ends up in county jail for DUI, a stepmother who is an irresponsible high school dropout, and an autistic little brother. She worries about who would take care of him if she didn't. Lexi cuts, overdoses on Tylenol, and feels worthless (her classmates call her trailer trash, freak, and a joke) - she feels like a "bad seed" and a "sidenote" in her family. Her real mother lives far away and was sixteen herself when she had Lexi. Her baby sister (a "teeny little grief machine") died in her crib, which was in Lexi's bedroom, when she was three weeks old, and Lexi is grieving hard, feeling responsible, and is full of anger ("I wish I had somebody to choke"). She ends up in the hospital for her depression and suicidal impulses. This is written at about a fourth grade level, is easy to read, some of the rhymes are pretty awful (Spain/rain/pain" "nobody knows/it totally blows" "he's a pain/he's insane") but some really speak to her experience/feelings ("Sixteen/and never been kissed/Never been missed"). Her guidance counselor and school librarian are her buddies, a cute boy becomes her boyfriend at the end - some of this seems pretty trite, but the feelings are real and sadly, some teen readers will be able to relate to some aspect of her situation (her poverty/lack of parental supervision or shame at her father's incarceration, depression).

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this book forever, and seeing as how it only took a couple of hours to get through, I'm not sure what took so long. 16-year-old Lexi (rhymes with sexy)McLeen lives in a trailer home with her father (until he's thrown in jail for DUI), stepmother and younger brother. Add in that her dad is a depressive alcoholic with borderline depressive disorder; Tanya, the stepmom, is anorexic, bipolar with anger issues; and the brother, Blaine, is autistic with ADHD. There was a baby sister, at one point, but she died...in Lexi's room...while sleeping. So...yeah. Lots of issues crammed into a tiny book. Lexi is having a very understandably rough time and writes poetry "just...so...I...don't...explode."
I think what turned me off about this book was the poetry itself. Most of it is rhyming verse, which seems amateur and lazy. But maybe that's what the author was going for? I don't know...but I do know that adding in a guy at the end who she meets and falls in love with, then, IN THE SAME DAY, brings home to meet her crazy family-
"I hope you're up for this,' I whisper...Max nods. "I'm ready," he says."-is just sooooo contrived and ridiculous.

SPOILER ALERT:

So, basically, Lexi has a meltdown, ends up in the hospital, gets out and everything comes up roses. Not realistic, and no resources offered for readers who might actually be in similar situations. Disappointing.

[Kendall Yarnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book, I love how the story turns around at the end to a really happy and good ending. Highly reccomend.

[Amber Lovett Dhamija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the Gravel Road series. This free verse novel tells the story of Lexi McCleen, a sixteen-year-old at Lakeview High School who uses poetry and art to escape from her family’s issues. Her father is in jail for a DUI, her stepmother is neglectful of Lexi and her younger brother Blaine, who has autism and ADHD, and the family is still recovering from the death of Lexi’s infant sister Clarissa Grace.Lexi’s emotional problems reach a critical point and she is sent to be treated at a mental hospital, after which returns to school and begins building a healthier life. Lexi’s poetry captures her struggle with depression and self-harm, embarrassment over her family’s problems, and the feeling of being an outcast in her new school. The dark tone of the poems helps communicate Lexi’s character and the depth of her emotional issues. The poems are highly accessible but in some cases rhymes feel forced and the tone borders on melodramatic. This book would be a good choice for hi-lo readers with an interest in poetry or creative writing because of the relatable subject matter and easy-to-read free verse style. Additional Selection. Ages 13 & up.

[Jaachim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only gave this a three because it almost made me cry (in a good way). Overall I had a lot of issues with the portrayal of mental disabilities (and of course the narrator is biased b/c she's struggling with her family) and the fact that the ending was just a nice tidy bow without showing any real...work on the part of the narrator. Getting over a mental illness isn't as simple as being institutionalized and realizing your family cares about you.

I would not recommend this book.

[soap · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate books written in poetry format, but the library gave it to me free and there were three copies just sitting around, so I figured "eh, what the heck." It was terrible. Depressing and the story line was an exact paper cut-out of thousands of other stories out there. Nothing notable or special about it at all.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first novel written in verse that I've read cover to cover. I thought it was well done. Lexi, the teenaged narrator is believable in her observations and transformation throughout the book. This is also one that a reluctant reader may get into.

[Sarah Kayali · Rating 2 out of 5]

It goes by so fast. I finished it in one day. But the plot gets solved so quickly. The whole book talks about how she's (Lexi) is so misreable and then suddenly in the last few pages everything is solved.

[Sherry Guice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This verse novel addresses serious issues...at times I thought that the rhymes lessened the power of ideas. Perhaps more free verse would have been more moving in this case. I do believe that girls will like reading this book.

[Mallory Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love how this book was written. I honestly feel like it was in a way more deep that way, and I love how she got happier towards the ending. I started and finished this book in one day (June 6th) I loved it!