Poetry By Kids

Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems By Teenagers

Edited By: Betsy Franco

Franco, Betsy. 2008. Falling Hard: 100 Love Poems By Teenagers. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press. 

ISBN: 9780763634377

Falling Hard is a collection of 100 poems that are written by teenagers about the topic of love.  The authors of the poems come from a wide range of age and ethnic backgrounds.  These teenage poets  have a variety of sexual preferences, straight, gay, bi, and transgender.  

Some of the poems in the book have a rhythm or beat, while others have rhyming words.  Most of the poetry is written in free verse.  Sense imagery is dominant throughout the entire book revolving around love.  Many of the poems are written abstractly and left up for interpretation.  

All the poems are written from experiences these teenagers have been through.  Some of the poems are sweet and the reader can tell the authors of these poems have an innocence about love and being in a relationship.  Other poems are written from a raw perspective from teens who are more experienced.  Some of the poems deal with heart break, new relationships, crushes, sex, and self-esteem.  Love is a topic that all teens deal with, so the topic of the book is appealing to the age group targeted.  Love is  dealt with in different ways and it shows in the book.  The poems stir up various moods and emotions while being read due to the variety of the authors of the poetry.  The reader can tell these teen authors have poured their heart and soul into their poetry.  

Some of the poems are rough and difficult to read, and I wouldn't allow young teens to read the poems that are explicit. However, Falling Hard is an inspiration to any young writer.  It shows young people that they can write and have a voice just like adults.  Falling Hard is an example of teenagers pouring their hearts out onto paper and inspiring other teens to do the same.  


Love is Like


the sweetness of honey
falling from a bee hive.


You have to be careful
not to get stung.


Hector Jasso, age 16


Activity:  This poem is a good example of how poets often use similes in their poetry.  "Love is like the sweetness of honey" is a simile the poet has used.  Students can brainstorm other similes for the emotion and feeling of love, or students could pick another emotion such as anger or happiness and write similes for them.  After students have listed their similes they take them and write a poem using their similes.