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The Song of Us
This stunning debut and wholly original queer middle grade novel-in-verse retelling of “Orpheus and Eurydice” adds a new chorus to the songs of great love, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World.
Love at first sight isn’t a myth. For seventh graders Olivia and Eden, it’s fate. Olivia is a capital-P Poet, and Eden thinks she wants to be a musician one day, but for now she’s just the new girl. And then Eden shows up to Poetry Club and everything changes.
Eden isn’t out, and she has rules for dating Olivia: don’t call. Don’t tell her friends. And don’t let anyone know they’re together.
But when jealousy creeps in, it’s Olivia’s words that push Eden away. While Eden sets out to find herself, Olivia begins a journey to bring Eden back—using poetry. Both Olivia and Eden will learn just how powerful their words can be to bring them together . . . or tear them apart forever.
"Immediate-feeling verse traces painful self-discovery and heady first love in Fussner’s debut, a queer retelling of “Orpheus and Eurydice.” Snappy verse embodies the girls’ achingly real alternating voices while thoughtfully considering topics such as coming out, mental health, parental abuse, and peer pressure. Hand this yearning-tinged slice-of-life romance to fans of Ashley Herring Blake and K.A. Holt." — Publishers Weekly
"In this gorgeous tale, Fussner delivers what feels like…a song. Of us. Of anyone who has ever been in love. Or anyone transformed by it. An impressive debut!" — Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A tender book about first crushes, peer pressure, and parental problems in middle school. Written in glorious verse, The Song of Us is an ode to love—love that defies expectations, overcomes disappointment, and transcends grief, love that springs in our hearts like song." — Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of Red, White and Whole
“A stunning song of first love, heartache, and the freedom of knowing yourself. Eden and Olivia will linger in my heart.” — Lambda literary award winning author Rebecca Podos
Love at first sight isn’t a myth. For seventh graders Olivia and Eden, it’s fate. Olivia is a capital-P Poet, and Eden thinks she wants to be a musician one day, but for now she’s just the new girl. And then Eden shows up to Poetry Club and everything changes.
Eden isn’t out, and she has rules for dating Olivia: don’t call. Don’t tell her friends. And don’t let anyone know they’re together.
But when jealousy creeps in, it’s Olivia’s words that push Eden away. While Eden sets out to find herself, Olivia begins a journey to bring Eden back—using poetry. Both Olivia and Eden will learn just how powerful their words can be to bring them together . . . or tear them apart forever.
"Immediate-feeling verse traces painful self-discovery and heady first love in Fussner’s debut, a queer retelling of “Orpheus and Eurydice.” Snappy verse embodies the girls’ achingly real alternating voices while thoughtfully considering topics such as coming out, mental health, parental abuse, and peer pressure. Hand this yearning-tinged slice-of-life romance to fans of Ashley Herring Blake and K.A. Holt." — Publishers Weekly
"In this gorgeous tale, Fussner delivers what feels like…a song. Of us. Of anyone who has ever been in love. Or anyone transformed by it. An impressive debut!" — Jason Reynolds, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"A tender book about first crushes, peer pressure, and parental problems in middle school. Written in glorious verse, The Song of Us is an ode to love—love that defies expectations, overcomes disappointment, and transcends grief, love that springs in our hearts like song." — Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-winning author of Red, White and Whole
“A stunning song of first love, heartache, and the freedom of knowing yourself. Eden and Olivia will linger in my heart.” — Lambda literary award winning author Rebecca Podos
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2023
About the author
Kate Fussner
2 books46 followersKate Fussner writes books for young people and bakes the perfect chocolate chip cookie. She holds a B.A from Vassar College, an M.Ed. from University of Massachusetts Boston, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People from Lesley University. After over a decade of teaching English for the Boston Public Schools, Kate now spends her time writing and walking her dramatic dog, Mrs. Weasley. She is represented by Eric Smith at P.S. Literary. Her writing has appeared in the Boston Globe, WBUR’s Cognoscenti, and elsewhere. She and her wonderful wife live in MA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 9, 2024
The earthquake of emotions from first loves often rocks our worlds with such ineffable power it seems only an epic tale can capture the narrative. I suspect this is part of the lasting power of myths as we can find in them a metaphor for our own perilous, emotional quests. In her stunning debut novel, the middle grade The Song of Us, Kate Fussner harnesses the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice into a sapphic, tragic love story between poet Olivia and the musically inclined Eden. Rotating between their perspectives and written in verse, this is a gorgeously told and emotionally charged loose retelling that will charm fans of the myth (it is a perfect time for this retelling with the popularity of Hadestown) yet still stands strong on its own for readers unfamiliar with the tale. Gracefully dealing with themes of families in crisis, struggles with love, despair, identity—such as feeling one must hide their true selves or disappear within a group—and societal pressures, Fussner delivers an exquisite and emotionally intense debut that will certainly reach deep into the hearts of readers of any age.
The Song of Us is a love song, its a sad song, it’s an old song, and we’re going to sing it again because the tale of feeling one walking down a path doomed towards failure and choosing to try anyways is something that anyone can empathize with. A former English teacher at a Boston Middle School, Fussner sets this modern Orpheus and Eurydice in a Boston middle school and truly excels at elucidating emotional turmoil the way one fumbles to process it at that age. Our story brings us into the poetic minds of Olivia and Eden, who meet in the poetry club Olivia began with her trans best friend Lexi, and have a brief relationship that will linger in their hearts long after their abrupt break-up. Olivia, who usually prides herself on words, misfires during a moment of jealousy and creates a rift of hurt she will spend the novel trying to overcome. Now she must use words ‘fighting for Eden instead of fighting with Eden.’ While a loose retelling of the myth, the key elements are there and Fussner manages to make them feel fresh, surprising, and comfortably at home and authentic in her modern teenage drama.
‘I have learned more without you
than I thought was possible,
learned my heart is bigger
my words weaker
if they aren’t going
straight from my heart
to you’
Even as an adult I was hooked, devouring every page with a hope as if it might turn out this time and riding the intense emotional maelstrom of this sapphic tale of yearning, sorrow and regret. Being a novel in verse really fits the story and allows the characters to express themselves in abstract or otherwise artistic fashion (Fussner even plays with form a few times, which is always exciting and demonstrates the character’s trying to understand themselves from new angles) and also serves as the poems they write over the course of the story. I also appreciate that the fatalistic story touches on how, inevitably, all middle school relationships are likely going to come to an end but at the same time Fussner gives space to respect the fact that these feelings are real and often deeply felt. Having space for oneself is key to this story in many ways, particularly for Eden who doesn’t feel she has space to be herself. Particularly to come out, fearing rejection from peers or from her homophobic father. She fears she is living a false self as she falls in with a popular group of girls—self-dubbed the Crash—and feels peer pressure to kiss boys, experiment with marijuana and alcohol, and participate in their generally Mean Girls behavoirs at school. Through Eden we see the reasons why we build the walls we think will keep us free but end up pushing others away, including the one she truly loved. It also triggers the one request that could bring everything to ruin, where instead of Orpheus not being allowed to look back, Olivia is told she can text but never call or let anyone know they were ever together.
It is difficult to process all these conflicting emotions at that age, times being what they are, hard and getting harder all the time as both girls face difficult home life situations as well. Eden’s father is a shell of himself since her mother left and his parenting style is more about being punitive than productive, while Olivia’s mom is suffering from a debilitating depression Olivia dubs the fog. Fussner delicately examines the struggles of dealing with a parent’s mental health while having one's own array of problems in ways that readers will find authentic but also deeply moving. And it also shows how even with all the monsters of society gnashing their teeth, the voice you really have to focus on is the one that howls inside your head, self-gaslighting oneself into feelings of inadequacy. Fussner’s poetic style, which comes at the narrative in exciting ways that dive directly into the emotional core of matters, also plucks each of our heart strings like Orpheus’ lyre reminding us all how bittersweet it is to love and to suffer in love, not just romantically but within families and friend groups as well.
‘Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you.’
The Song of Us is not just a fantastic debut but just an overall wonderful novel. The retelling feels fresh and fun, wondering if we can beat the myths or if we will see ‘her pulled / like a ghost to a world / unknown.’ As a huge fan of poetry, I loved how central the art was to this book from raising money selling poems to help others fall in love to trying to win back love through a poem that could make you see how the world could be in spite of what it is. If its true what they say, time can mend a broken heart but the roller coaster of emotions on that return journey of healing is a long and lonely path. Art, like poetry and music, can be a great companion during this time and I enjoy the way Fussner demonstrates this in a way that will inspire readers to create their own, all while being a perfect book for someone experiencing the stings of first love. This would be an excellent addition to any classroom library—I recently fulfilled a request at the bookstore for 20 recent novels for a middle school english teacher’s classroom were they took most of my recommendations and this was one of them—and is a beautiful book. Plus, who doesn’t want a queer Greek myth retelling? So we raise our cups to Kate Fussner: a lovely story that handles difficult themes in empowering ways, The Song of Us is a delight. And shoutout to anyone who caught all the Hadestown references in this review, I recently went to see it and couldn’t resist.
5/5
‘There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true.’
The Song of Us is a love song, its a sad song, it’s an old song, and we’re going to sing it again because the tale of feeling one walking down a path doomed towards failure and choosing to try anyways is something that anyone can empathize with. A former English teacher at a Boston Middle School, Fussner sets this modern Orpheus and Eurydice in a Boston middle school and truly excels at elucidating emotional turmoil the way one fumbles to process it at that age. Our story brings us into the poetic minds of Olivia and Eden, who meet in the poetry club Olivia began with her trans best friend Lexi, and have a brief relationship that will linger in their hearts long after their abrupt break-up. Olivia, who usually prides herself on words, misfires during a moment of jealousy and creates a rift of hurt she will spend the novel trying to overcome. Now she must use words ‘fighting for Eden instead of fighting with Eden.’ While a loose retelling of the myth, the key elements are there and Fussner manages to make them feel fresh, surprising, and comfortably at home and authentic in her modern teenage drama.
‘I have learned more without you
than I thought was possible,
learned my heart is bigger
my words weaker
if they aren’t going
straight from my heart
to you’
Even as an adult I was hooked, devouring every page with a hope as if it might turn out this time and riding the intense emotional maelstrom of this sapphic tale of yearning, sorrow and regret. Being a novel in verse really fits the story and allows the characters to express themselves in abstract or otherwise artistic fashion (Fussner even plays with form a few times, which is always exciting and demonstrates the character’s trying to understand themselves from new angles) and also serves as the poems they write over the course of the story. I also appreciate that the fatalistic story touches on how, inevitably, all middle school relationships are likely going to come to an end but at the same time Fussner gives space to respect the fact that these feelings are real and often deeply felt. Having space for oneself is key to this story in many ways, particularly for Eden who doesn’t feel she has space to be herself. Particularly to come out, fearing rejection from peers or from her homophobic father. She fears she is living a false self as she falls in with a popular group of girls—self-dubbed the Crash—and feels peer pressure to kiss boys, experiment with marijuana and alcohol, and participate in their generally Mean Girls behavoirs at school. Through Eden we see the reasons why we build the walls we think will keep us free but end up pushing others away, including the one she truly loved. It also triggers the one request that could bring everything to ruin, where instead of Orpheus not being allowed to look back, Olivia is told she can text but never call or let anyone know they were ever together.
It is difficult to process all these conflicting emotions at that age, times being what they are, hard and getting harder all the time as both girls face difficult home life situations as well. Eden’s father is a shell of himself since her mother left and his parenting style is more about being punitive than productive, while Olivia’s mom is suffering from a debilitating depression Olivia dubs the fog. Fussner delicately examines the struggles of dealing with a parent’s mental health while having one's own array of problems in ways that readers will find authentic but also deeply moving. And it also shows how even with all the monsters of society gnashing their teeth, the voice you really have to focus on is the one that howls inside your head, self-gaslighting oneself into feelings of inadequacy. Fussner’s poetic style, which comes at the narrative in exciting ways that dive directly into the emotional core of matters, also plucks each of our heart strings like Orpheus’ lyre reminding us all how bittersweet it is to love and to suffer in love, not just romantically but within families and friend groups as well.
‘Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you.’
The Song of Us is not just a fantastic debut but just an overall wonderful novel. The retelling feels fresh and fun, wondering if we can beat the myths or if we will see ‘her pulled / like a ghost to a world / unknown.’ As a huge fan of poetry, I loved how central the art was to this book from raising money selling poems to help others fall in love to trying to win back love through a poem that could make you see how the world could be in spite of what it is. If its true what they say, time can mend a broken heart but the roller coaster of emotions on that return journey of healing is a long and lonely path. Art, like poetry and music, can be a great companion during this time and I enjoy the way Fussner demonstrates this in a way that will inspire readers to create their own, all while being a perfect book for someone experiencing the stings of first love. This would be an excellent addition to any classroom library—I recently fulfilled a request at the bookstore for 20 recent novels for a middle school english teacher’s classroom were they took most of my recommendations and this was one of them—and is a beautiful book. Plus, who doesn’t want a queer Greek myth retelling? So we raise our cups to Kate Fussner: a lovely story that handles difficult themes in empowering ways, The Song of Us is a delight. And shoutout to anyone who caught all the Hadestown references in this review, I recently went to see it and couldn’t resist.
5/5
‘There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true.’
April 26, 2022
Olivia and Eden are young girls each grappling with change, loss, and figuring out who they are. They find the right words when they find each other, but they must learn, too, to find the right words for themselves. Bittersweet and tender, this is a beautiful book for all ages. I hung on every word.
July 1, 2022
This is one of the best middle grade novels I’ve ever read. The queer love story, the rewrite of a Greek myth with none of the stodginess, and Fussner’s words that flow through the lines, shaping each of the two voices into its own unique person… it’s just gorgeous. This book belongs on every middle school shelf, bumping shoulders with Ivy Aberdeen and Too Bright to See.
May 23, 2023
What a delight. The Song of Us tells the story of Eden and Olivia through verse, and theirs is a love song for the ages—not only as an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling but as a fiercely compassionate, creative story about two girls finding their footing in the treacherous ground of middle school.
I'm cautious about quoting from ARCs, because things might yet change before the publication date, but Fussner's use of verse here is wonderful. Mostly free verse (I'm not a poet, so don't quote me on that either) with occasional slips into concrete/shape poetry or something more stream-of-consciousness, there are little nuggets hidden throughout to call back to the original myth (Olympus Middle School, a character acting like she's read this story in English class already, an interlude from the Chorus—I laughed out loud at the last one). I occasionally wanted a little more from some of the side characters (Eden's father, for example, remains murky to me by the end), but I think that's the price one pays for a tightly woven story in verse.
Fussner has a teaching background, and she clearly knows her audience—this feels pitch-perfect for the age range (right set of middle-school emotions and petty disagreements) while also being engaging for older readers. Highly recommend if you're looking for a power ballad, a dance song, a theme song of a book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
I'm cautious about quoting from ARCs, because things might yet change before the publication date, but Fussner's use of verse here is wonderful. Mostly free verse (I'm not a poet, so don't quote me on that either) with occasional slips into concrete/shape poetry or something more stream-of-consciousness, there are little nuggets hidden throughout to call back to the original myth (Olympus Middle School, a character acting like she's read this story in English class already, an interlude from the Chorus—I laughed out loud at the last one). I occasionally wanted a little more from some of the side characters (Eden's father, for example, remains murky to me by the end), but I think that's the price one pays for a tightly woven story in verse.
Fussner has a teaching background, and she clearly knows her audience—this feels pitch-perfect for the age range (right set of middle-school emotions and petty disagreements) while also being engaging for older readers. Highly recommend if you're looking for a power ballad, a dance song, a theme song of a book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Want to read
February 10, 202210.02.2022 a queer mg retelling of orpheus and eurydice about two girl falling in love.
June 13, 2023
The Song of Us is a beautiful novel written in verse that follows two young girls as they struggle to find their place in their school and in their lives, and to figure out who they are. Because it was written in verse, this one may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy this kind of story, you'll definitely like The Song of Us.
I read this one really quickly, and I finished it with a bittersweet smile. The entire story was messy, it was raw, it was imperfect, and it was real. The two MCs feel immediately connected, and while at first I felt like their attraction to each other was rushed, I remembered that it was accurate for their age. At that point in life, everything happens so fast, and every emotion feels so big. This is all perfectly exhibited in the story through Olivia and Eden's actions and feelings.
Another interesting part of The Song of Us is the fact that it's a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. There are a few references to the original myth that fans of Greek mythology will have a fun time pointing out. But even though it's a retelling, anyone could go into this story without any of that context and have it completely stand on its own. However, knowing the origins of this story makes every choice made even deeper and profound.
For anyone who's hesitant to pick up a middle grade, I encourage you to pick up this book! It's a great story for all ages and will teach everyone something different. It's a reminder of how difficult growing up and finding our place is, but that the world is also not without hope. It's a book about identity and love, and most of all, it's a book about words and their power.
I enjoyed this one a lot, and I hope you all will too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read this one really quickly, and I finished it with a bittersweet smile. The entire story was messy, it was raw, it was imperfect, and it was real. The two MCs feel immediately connected, and while at first I felt like their attraction to each other was rushed, I remembered that it was accurate for their age. At that point in life, everything happens so fast, and every emotion feels so big. This is all perfectly exhibited in the story through Olivia and Eden's actions and feelings.
Another interesting part of The Song of Us is the fact that it's a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice. There are a few references to the original myth that fans of Greek mythology will have a fun time pointing out. But even though it's a retelling, anyone could go into this story without any of that context and have it completely stand on its own. However, knowing the origins of this story makes every choice made even deeper and profound.
For anyone who's hesitant to pick up a middle grade, I encourage you to pick up this book! It's a great story for all ages and will teach everyone something different. It's a reminder of how difficult growing up and finding our place is, but that the world is also not without hope. It's a book about identity and love, and most of all, it's a book about words and their power.
I enjoyed this one a lot, and I hope you all will too!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 27, 2023
DNF @ 55%
I just…I just don’t care but some of the poems were really good.
I just…I just don’t care but some of the poems were really good.
June 17, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a quick middle grade novel-in-verse with the perfect amount of cute and serious. I was surprised by the content of the book (in a good way!), as it was a lot less sanitized than I'm used to in middle grade. I've definitely read LGBT+ books for younger audiences before, but this has to be one of the first middle grade books I've read that actively mentions younger kids drinking underage, vaping, slut shaming, etc. Hey, we probably shouldn't promote that to middle schoolers as I'm sure at least one angry parent will suggest this book is doing, but I think The Song of Us does a good job of reflecting the reality that some middle schoolers have without screaming "hey kids, wanna hop in this suspicious white van and smoke some weed????" I knew I was going to like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took and its narration style!
This was a quick middle grade novel-in-verse with the perfect amount of cute and serious. I was surprised by the content of the book (in a good way!), as it was a lot less sanitized than I'm used to in middle grade. I've definitely read LGBT+ books for younger audiences before, but this has to be one of the first middle grade books I've read that actively mentions younger kids drinking underage, vaping, slut shaming, etc. Hey, we probably shouldn't promote that to middle schoolers as I'm sure at least one angry parent will suggest this book is doing, but I think The Song of Us does a good job of reflecting the reality that some middle schoolers have without screaming "hey kids, wanna hop in this suspicious white van and smoke some weed????" I knew I was going to like this book, but I was pleasantly surprised with the direction it took and its narration style!
Want to read
June 29, 2022I’d say “will this be the sapphic Hadestown I didn’t know I needed?” but that would be untrue as I have known that I needed sapphic Hadestown since seeing art of it on Pinterest
April 14, 2023
This was a really cute love story in verse that perfectly captured the awkward pining and the intense emotions of first love. I appreciated the switching points of view; both main characters were well developed and their poems allowed you to really connect with them. Olivia’s poems were a bit over the top at times. Not to be a cynic, but the intensity with which she talked about her love for Eden seemed a bit much for a 13 year old, but then again, middle schoolers are dramatic. I connected more with Eden. Eden struggles with finding her place in the world and learning to love herself and openly love Olivia when her parents and friends don’t support her. The connection to Orpheus and Eurydice, what I was most excited for, is very subtle. If readers don’t already know that story, I don’t think they would even realize this was a retelling. I do wish there were more Greek mythology connections, but the way Olivia and Eden’s story mirrored Orpheus and Eurydice was well done. This is a good introduction to poetry and tragic love stories for middle grade readers.
June 30, 2022
This book is achingly beautiful on so many levels. The language is breathtaking--capturing the realities of first love with intensity and authenticity, while staying true and believable to 7th grade characters. There are insights into friendship, parent-child relationships, mental health, and social belonging that are as deeply moving as they are thoughtful--I think this would be an incredible pick for parent-kid shared reads or book clubs. The space for emotions, questions, and discussion for readers opens big and safe--like a hug. I adore this book. Every middle school classroom should have a copy (mine will have several)!
June 6, 2023
This story just healed a huge portion of my queer heart. It’s so accurate for how deep our emotions and love can run in middle school, how dismissed that love can be, and how messy it is to navigate that first love.
Olivia is a poet and falls for the new girl, Eden. Both have home lives that are hard to deal with and find solace in the written word. Eden is an aspiring musician and the poetry club brings them together. But their words quickly hurt each other, leading to a super sweet grand gesture. Along the way we find each character discovering theirselves while navigating school, friendships, and their home lives.
I loved the alternating POV through prose and felt like this book truly hits you in the heart and leaves a lasting impact. Will absolutely be buying this for my home library!
*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a drew eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
Olivia is a poet and falls for the new girl, Eden. Both have home lives that are hard to deal with and find solace in the written word. Eden is an aspiring musician and the poetry club brings them together. But their words quickly hurt each other, leading to a super sweet grand gesture. Along the way we find each character discovering theirselves while navigating school, friendships, and their home lives.
I loved the alternating POV through prose and felt like this book truly hits you in the heart and leaves a lasting impact. Will absolutely be buying this for my home library!
*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a drew eARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*
June 11, 2023
A stunning novel in verse for anyone who has ever been in love. Hitting the sweet spot for readers ages 11-15, this book captures the drama, love, and heart ache of being in middle school.
As a high school librarian, I tend to not read Middle Grade books, and when I do, they feel so very young to me. This though, this is a middle grade book you want to hand to your 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Everything about it felt authentic, and you can tell that Fussner knows middle school.
The things I loved the most:
- The concrete (shape) poems! Audio and eBook readers will miss out on this (especially the microwave one). I love a great concrete poem and the ones in here deliver.
- That it is authentic to Boston!! As a Boston resident, there is nothing that turns me off more in a book than when an author does a terrible job of situating the book in the city (side-eyeing two books in particular right now). Fussner knows her city and everything from the location of the school to the T messing with plans is authentic.
- That if you know the myth of Orpheus & Eurydice you will see the echoes in this retelling and if you don't know it, it's still fine and you can thoroughly enjoy the story.
- How even though a novel in verse is far shorter than a typical prose novel, the characters still felt whole and complete, including the supporting characters.
Fussner is skilled at crafting gorgeous verse; for the reading experience alone, you will not be disappointed.
As a high school librarian, I tend to not read Middle Grade books, and when I do, they feel so very young to me. This though, this is a middle grade book you want to hand to your 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Everything about it felt authentic, and you can tell that Fussner knows middle school.
The things I loved the most:
- The concrete (shape) poems! Audio and eBook readers will miss out on this (especially the microwave one). I love a great concrete poem and the ones in here deliver.
- That it is authentic to Boston!! As a Boston resident, there is nothing that turns me off more in a book than when an author does a terrible job of situating the book in the city (side-eyeing two books in particular right now). Fussner knows her city and everything from the location of the school to the T messing with plans is authentic.
- That if you know the myth of Orpheus & Eurydice you will see the echoes in this retelling and if you don't know it, it's still fine and you can thoroughly enjoy the story.
- How even though a novel in verse is far shorter than a typical prose novel, the characters still felt whole and complete, including the supporting characters.
Fussner is skilled at crafting gorgeous verse; for the reading experience alone, you will not be disappointed.
April 15, 2023
This book is beautifully written. I love verse novels in general, but this one especially has a beautiful writing style.
I did enjoy the book as a whole, but in the end, the writing style is my favourite aspect. The rest of the book felt a little underdeveloped, and I wasn't getting as much out of it as I would have hoped. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters very well, which made this story feel less emotional than it could have felt.
I did enjoy the book as a whole, but in the end, the writing style is my favourite aspect. The rest of the book felt a little underdeveloped, and I wasn't getting as much out of it as I would have hoped. I didn't feel like I got to know the characters very well, which made this story feel less emotional than it could have felt.
June 4, 2023
didn't really vibe with the poetic writing style but it was cute with likable characters and I love all the music talk
June 4, 2023
Rating this 4.5 stars but rounded up.
Reading in verse books is quickly becoming a favorite format. It started with Elizabeth Acevedo and now I continue with Kate Fussner. Reading about Olivia and Eden didn’t quite have the lightheartedness I was hoping for, but it gave so much more than I expected! If you were in the mood for a cute yet emotional, middle grade, sapphic story, you will love this one!
Side note: Olivia’s mom is dealing with depression. It seems like it’s been going on for a while and Olivia has learned not to trust the ability to go to her mom for comfort. Without revealing too much, Olivia finds herself experiencing heartbreak. I felt like Olivia wanted nothing more than to open up to her mom and receive her comfort but because she didn’t trust her, she denied that anything was wrong. I was experiencing so many emotions during this scene because I couldn’t help but relate to the fact that sometimes, even when you’re hurting and internally screaming for help, you just cannot make accept it, even when it’s being offered to you because you don’t feel safe enough to trust it🥺
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤:
✨ Can you fall in love before you even learn a girl’s name? Before today, I would have said no. After today, I have to say . . .
✨ The purest words can build new cities and birth lives we’ve never known
✨ I try to own the chaos, and not let it own me
✨ To see in the eyes of another a different kind of home
Reading in verse books is quickly becoming a favorite format. It started with Elizabeth Acevedo and now I continue with Kate Fussner. Reading about Olivia and Eden didn’t quite have the lightheartedness I was hoping for, but it gave so much more than I expected! If you were in the mood for a cute yet emotional, middle grade, sapphic story, you will love this one!
Side note: Olivia’s mom is dealing with depression. It seems like it’s been going on for a while and Olivia has learned not to trust the ability to go to her mom for comfort. Without revealing too much, Olivia finds herself experiencing heartbreak. I felt like Olivia wanted nothing more than to open up to her mom and receive her comfort but because she didn’t trust her, she denied that anything was wrong. I was experiencing so many emotions during this scene because I couldn’t help but relate to the fact that sometimes, even when you’re hurting and internally screaming for help, you just cannot make accept it, even when it’s being offered to you because you don’t feel safe enough to trust it🥺
𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤:
✨ Can you fall in love before you even learn a girl’s name? Before today, I would have said no. After today, I have to say . . .
✨ The purest words can build new cities and birth lives we’ve never known
✨ I try to own the chaos, and not let it own me
✨ To see in the eyes of another a different kind of home
June 11, 2023
This book is beautifully written. I wish I had had this book navigating middle school.
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February 5, 20242 hours on a Saturday morning. Gorgeous & needed
June 23, 2023
Best middle grade poetry book I've read so far!
Read
January 15, 2024One of my foster daughters moved in when she was 12 and a half. A kid made older by experience, but stuck in a young body, desperate to skip ahead to her teens and all the romance she was sure would follow.
She loved love - the more melodramatic the better. Telenovelas and breakup songs were her kryptonite.
She's 18 now and all grown up, but little her would have DEVOURED this book. (Little me would have too 👀.)
All this to say that if you know a middle schooler who really loves romance, but you (especially if the you is a teacher) would like to share more age appropriate stories with them, I wholeheartedly recommend picking them up a copy of THE SONG OF US.
It has:
🎵 lots of kissing
🎵 lots of yearning
🎵 v pretty language (one MC is a poet & the other a musician 😍)
🎵 and most importantly: validation of young love
CW for some off-page drinking, vaping, parental depression, and parental abandonment.
P.S. This debut is a sapphic mg retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, but most kids won't know the original, and I think this book stands solidly on its own.
She loved love - the more melodramatic the better. Telenovelas and breakup songs were her kryptonite.
She's 18 now and all grown up, but little her would have DEVOURED this book. (Little me would have too 👀.)
All this to say that if you know a middle schooler who really loves romance, but you (especially if the you is a teacher) would like to share more age appropriate stories with them, I wholeheartedly recommend picking them up a copy of THE SONG OF US.
It has:
🎵 lots of kissing
🎵 lots of yearning
🎵 v pretty language (one MC is a poet & the other a musician 😍)
🎵 and most importantly: validation of young love
CW for some off-page drinking, vaping, parental depression, and parental abandonment.
P.S. This debut is a sapphic mg retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, but most kids won't know the original, and I think this book stands solidly on its own.
November 29, 2022
Fussner’s use of verse was outstanding! Every word was carefully chosen to evoke emotion and connect the reader to the characters.
When Olivia and Eden first see each other, they're immediately drawn to each other. But, having to keep what they have a secret is hard and when Olivia gets jealous she pushes away the good thing she has. From there, Olivia works to fix the mistake she made while Eden struggles with whether it's more important to be herself or who her friends want her to be.
Olivia and Eden both have challenging home lives and while they don't talk too much about it, they're able to understand the desire to escape. This helps build their relationship initially. I appreciated the handling of Olivia's mom's depression which demonstrated that it wasn't always predictable. There were moments where Olivia needed to be her mom's support but also when Olivia needed it the most her mom was able to recognize it and be there for Olivia.
The structure of the novel also provides a nice contrast between Olivia and Eden's friends. After having her mother leave, Eden is excited to have been chosen by her friends but she's unable to open up and they ultimately push her away. Olivia on the other hand has found a strong group of friends who jump at the chance to help her win Eden back. Friendships can play out in so many different ways and this was showcased here.
While this is a retelling of a tragedy, Fussner was able to craft an ending that was simultaneously devastating and hopeful.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
When Olivia and Eden first see each other, they're immediately drawn to each other. But, having to keep what they have a secret is hard and when Olivia gets jealous she pushes away the good thing she has. From there, Olivia works to fix the mistake she made while Eden struggles with whether it's more important to be herself or who her friends want her to be.
Olivia and Eden both have challenging home lives and while they don't talk too much about it, they're able to understand the desire to escape. This helps build their relationship initially. I appreciated the handling of Olivia's mom's depression which demonstrated that it wasn't always predictable. There were moments where Olivia needed to be her mom's support but also when Olivia needed it the most her mom was able to recognize it and be there for Olivia.
The structure of the novel also provides a nice contrast between Olivia and Eden's friends. After having her mother leave, Eden is excited to have been chosen by her friends but she's unable to open up and they ultimately push her away. Olivia on the other hand has found a strong group of friends who jump at the chance to help her win Eden back. Friendships can play out in so many different ways and this was showcased here.
While this is a retelling of a tragedy, Fussner was able to craft an ending that was simultaneously devastating and hopeful.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 26, 2024
Someone recommended this to me but sadly I have the memory of a goldfish and I forgot who so I hope you see this; I loved it!!!
I love Greek myth retellings - especially when they are about Orpheus and Eurydice. I love Orpheus and Eurydice. I have said it before and I will say it again, they are one of my favourite Greek Myths. And this one is sapphic!!!!
For Olivia and Eden, love at first sight is fate. Olivia is a poet and Eden thinks she wants to become a musician. Love that for them. Eden isn’t out and has rules for dating Olivia: don’t call, don't tell her friends, and don't let anyone know. And they will learn how powerful their words can be to bring them together... or tear them apart forever.
This was so goood! I love middle grade fiction, it makes me feel so hopeful no matter how difficult topics we are dealing with. There is some kind of special magic reserved only for middle grade books and one day I will learn it myself...
Did I mention the best part? It's told in verse!! I love books told in the verse and this one was just absolutely stunning! Like what do you mean:
"Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you."
I am fine.
"There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true."
I am completely fine.
The Song of Us is such a beautiful book of two girls struggling to find themselves and their places in the world. And it's about love and art.
I love Greek myth retellings - especially when they are about Orpheus and Eurydice. I love Orpheus and Eurydice. I have said it before and I will say it again, they are one of my favourite Greek Myths. And this one is sapphic!!!!
For Olivia and Eden, love at first sight is fate. Olivia is a poet and Eden thinks she wants to become a musician. Love that for them. Eden isn’t out and has rules for dating Olivia: don’t call, don't tell her friends, and don't let anyone know. And they will learn how powerful their words can be to bring them together... or tear them apart forever.
This was so goood! I love middle grade fiction, it makes me feel so hopeful no matter how difficult topics we are dealing with. There is some kind of special magic reserved only for middle grade books and one day I will learn it myself...
Did I mention the best part? It's told in verse!! I love books told in the verse and this one was just absolutely stunning! Like what do you mean:
"Because all of this
is for you.
All of me
has always been
for you."
I am fine.
"There will be other loves
Other mistakes.
Both can be true."
I am completely fine.
The Song of Us is such a beautiful book of two girls struggling to find themselves and their places in the world. And it's about love and art.
February 9, 2023
I’ve wanted to read this book since I heard it was announced. The author and I have mutual friends and I was excited to see what she would do with the story of Orpheus and Eurydice for middle grades… and in verse!
I really enjoyed reading this and as a pediatrician I think it is a perfect book for middle grade students trying to understand who they are, peer pressure and friendship, the stresses of mental illness, sexuality and early attraction, and their own creativity.
I can imagine this book being part of a curriculum on Greek mythology where the original story is read, this book, and even incorporating Hadestown. During a time when books are being banned that address LGBTQ issues, this book is desperately needed. I am sure there will be places where this book is banned. And I hope being on those lists leads more children to read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I really enjoyed reading this and as a pediatrician I think it is a perfect book for middle grade students trying to understand who they are, peer pressure and friendship, the stresses of mental illness, sexuality and early attraction, and their own creativity.
I can imagine this book being part of a curriculum on Greek mythology where the original story is read, this book, and even incorporating Hadestown. During a time when books are being banned that address LGBTQ issues, this book is desperately needed. I am sure there will be places where this book is banned. And I hope being on those lists leads more children to read it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 7, 2023
Sweet angst-y adorable realistic writing of young love.
So many big feels in so little time ❤️❤️
Brings back memories of my first big crush on a girl and all the struggles of being queer in a very unaccepting home.
Would 100% read again (and again).
So many big feels in so little time ❤️❤️
Brings back memories of my first big crush on a girl and all the struggles of being queer in a very unaccepting home.
Would 100% read again (and again).
September 1, 2022
This tale took my breath away... more than once. A tender exploration of first love from both sides, THE SONG OF US broke my heart and put it back together again. What a gift this book is.
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June 5, 2023Rating: 5 stars or 9.23/10
Characters-10
The characters in this book really pull on your heartstrings. Olivia and Eden were so sweet, and each had a distinct personality, making the story work. I felt like Eden and Olivia had a way of interacting; as characters, they balanced each other out really well. Lexi and the poetry club members, plus Eden’s friends, added to the story with their interactions.
Plot-9
This was a very mature story for Middle-Grade. For me, it rode the line between Middle-Grade and YA. I’m new to novels in verse, but they’re such an exciting way to tell a story. Eden and Olivia have a story that was so sweet, and I loved the way they interacted with each other. The reason I said this story rides the line is because of some of the mature themes, like growing up and finding yourself over the course of the book. This was also a mature middle grade because romance played a large role in the plot. I loved the other elements of the story, like the girl’s individual journeys, and how they could come together at the end of the story.
Writing-9-
Kate Fussner does a great job of telling the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as if they were young pre-teen girls. The writing style used in The Song of Us was a novel in verse, which worked well for this story considering the original myth would be told in a style similar. The poetry flowed well and worked well to tell the story. Kate Fussner wrote The Song of Us in a way that captivated me and kept me hooked from start to finish..
Enjoyment- 10
I loved this book! The story was both fun and heartwarming, talking about tough topics in a way that young readers understand. Eden and Olivia were great characters, and their story was so sweet.
Characters-10
The characters in this book really pull on your heartstrings. Olivia and Eden were so sweet, and each had a distinct personality, making the story work. I felt like Eden and Olivia had a way of interacting; as characters, they balanced each other out really well. Lexi and the poetry club members, plus Eden’s friends, added to the story with their interactions.
Plot-9
This was a very mature story for Middle-Grade. For me, it rode the line between Middle-Grade and YA. I’m new to novels in verse, but they’re such an exciting way to tell a story. Eden and Olivia have a story that was so sweet, and I loved the way they interacted with each other. The reason I said this story rides the line is because of some of the mature themes, like growing up and finding yourself over the course of the book. This was also a mature middle grade because romance played a large role in the plot. I loved the other elements of the story, like the girl’s individual journeys, and how they could come together at the end of the story.
Writing-9-
Kate Fussner does a great job of telling the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as if they were young pre-teen girls. The writing style used in The Song of Us was a novel in verse, which worked well for this story considering the original myth would be told in a style similar. The poetry flowed well and worked well to tell the story. Kate Fussner wrote The Song of Us in a way that captivated me and kept me hooked from start to finish..
Enjoyment- 10
I loved this book! The story was both fun and heartwarming, talking about tough topics in a way that young readers understand. Eden and Olivia were great characters, and their story was so sweet.
Read
April 30, 2023 thank you to Katherine Tegen Books and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a treat this was! I’m not a huge reader of books-in-verse, but I never regret picking them up and this book was just further proof of that! I feel like Kate Fussner created a very solid world and characters within it, weaving in elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth throughout (though I wouldn’t say that this is a 100% retelling, more so inspired). At times, I had a hard time believing that I was reading about 7th graders and I’m not sure if this would have been better as younger YA, although that could just be my own personal experiences. Overall, I would definitely recommend picking this book up!
As an Orpheus and Eurydice inspired story, I fully expected this book to hurt me, and I think it delivered on that element. Fussner truly creates her own unique story with the feel of the original myth and all the best retellings that have come since (I listened to a lot of Hadestown while reading this). And though I definitely don’t want to spoil the ending, I think that the mixture of tragedy and a slight sense of hope truly created the best possible ending I could’ve hoped for.
For the characters themselves, I truly wanted the best for Olivia and Eden throughout, although they aren’t necessarily developed as much because they’re in a middle grade novel, there’s so much done with what was there. One of the most interesting elements for me was the way in which both had elements of Orpheus and Eurydice throughout, instead of being strict recreations. And although this is a story about romance, there are so many good elements of coming-of-age, of being a young teen and trying to figure out how to navigate life and be a good person despite how easy it can be to mess up. For me, the best thing about these characters is that they’re very human.
This was a pretty quick read, but worth savouring still. I look forward to seeing what else Kate Fussner writes in the future!
What a treat this was! I’m not a huge reader of books-in-verse, but I never regret picking them up and this book was just further proof of that! I feel like Kate Fussner created a very solid world and characters within it, weaving in elements of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth throughout (though I wouldn’t say that this is a 100% retelling, more so inspired). At times, I had a hard time believing that I was reading about 7th graders and I’m not sure if this would have been better as younger YA, although that could just be my own personal experiences. Overall, I would definitely recommend picking this book up!
As an Orpheus and Eurydice inspired story, I fully expected this book to hurt me, and I think it delivered on that element. Fussner truly creates her own unique story with the feel of the original myth and all the best retellings that have come since (I listened to a lot of Hadestown while reading this). And though I definitely don’t want to spoil the ending, I think that the mixture of tragedy and a slight sense of hope truly created the best possible ending I could’ve hoped for.
For the characters themselves, I truly wanted the best for Olivia and Eden throughout, although they aren’t necessarily developed as much because they’re in a middle grade novel, there’s so much done with what was there. One of the most interesting elements for me was the way in which both had elements of Orpheus and Eurydice throughout, instead of being strict recreations. And although this is a story about romance, there are so many good elements of coming-of-age, of being a young teen and trying to figure out how to navigate life and be a good person despite how easy it can be to mess up. For me, the best thing about these characters is that they’re very human.
This was a pretty quick read, but worth savouring still. I look forward to seeing what else Kate Fussner writes in the future!
October 29, 2023
I don't read many novel-in-verse books but I enjoyed this middle grade queer romance. It focused on Olivia and Eden, two girls with hard home lives who briefly find love at 12 years old. Parental mental health issues, parental neglect, homophobia, loneliness and toxic friendships also play a big part in the girls' story. I'm not sure where this story was set but I felt some alarm at some of the activities these girls got up to. Going to high school parties in grade 7 to drink and make out with boys, staying out until late, taking public transportation late at night by themselves...it all seemed too mature for their age. Maybe I'm just coming from a "not my daughter" mindset? I felt the heartbreak, joy, loneliness, alienation, hurt, hope and connection through the many poems and verse of the book. I think I would have liked this as a teenager more than as a preteen but I'm sure it has a large audience that would enjoy it.
June 5, 2023
3,5
Both queer middle grade and queer books in verse are just so beautiful and important and always hit hard!!
Both queer middle grade and queer books in verse are just so beautiful and important and always hit hard!!
June 14, 2024
such a beautiful book!
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