what my girlfriend doesn’t knowBibliography:
Sones, Sonya. 2007. What my girlfriend doesn’t know. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780689876028.

Plot Summary:
Robin Murphy is a reluctant outcast among his high school peers, so much that his last name has become a synonym for “loser”.  However, he does have one thing going for him – his girlfriend Sophie Stein is as much enamoured with him as he is with her.  Their bond is so strong that they cope and endure the taunting and teasing from everyone at school, particularly Sophie’s old friends who have abandoned her once they find out she’s dating the Murphy.

Things begin to take a turn in Robin’s life when he audits an art class at Harvard University, and discovers a social world outside of his high school scene.  The new people in his life make a big impression on him and he begins to push the envelope in terms of relationships. 

Critical Analysis:
Sones’ free verse novel takes a simple story of teenage love (or lust, depending on the viewpoint), and enriches it with a realistic touch.  Teens will identify with the way that the characters emote and express their feelings, and adults will most likely remember they once occupied the same state of mind when they were in high school.  Sones’ provides this touchstone through the use of the short and sparse text, practically a poem on each page, strung together to make an entire story. 

Most of the poetry does not have rhyme or rhythm, but it is chock full of imagery and meaning.  The main characters are frequently portrayed as being bold and fearless – they think of themselves as outlaws – despite the reputations that they gain among their peers. One section that does rhyme furthers this notion: “Here’s the way/Sophie and I play:/we take aim, think of a name, imagine those pins/are teeth or shins/pull back our arm/for maximum harm/then let the ball fly-/and eye for an eye.”  It becomes clear that, like most teens, Sophie and Robin harbor some anger and resentment, but they are able to find some respite in their self-expression, namely by drawing cartoon renderings of their situation.

One thing that is lack in the scope of emotions is guilt.  Robin seemingly gets involved with another girl with very little consideration for Sophie (in comparison to how much angst he feels over dragging her into unpopularity with him).  Then when she finds out, he seems to feign being a “swine” and go through the motions of getting her back.  Perhaps this view is only understood by that of a teenage boy.

Review Excerpts:
School Library Journal: “Written as a novel in verse, this title is a fast-paced, page-turning romp that gives authentic voice to male youth even when it is painfully truthful.” – Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Booklist Starred review: “Many teens will see themselves, and they’ll cheer when Sophie and Robin thwart the bullies and reclaim their social standing. Like Sones’ other titles, this is a great choice for reluctant and avid readers alike.” -Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Connections:

  • Although this book can stand alone, read the first novel by Sones, What my mother doesn’t know, which features the same characters.
  • Discuss with age-appropriate readers why Sones’ work has been challanged.