The Ninja Reviews... Because I am Furniture by Thalia Chaltas

Told in verse form, Because I am Furniture relates the story of one terrorized family through the voice of Anke, the youngest.  Her father is abusive and inflicts horrors on her mother, older brother and sister.  But Anke feels like a piece of furniture, always in the room but completely ignored by her dad, not even worthy of his abusive intents. 

The insignificance Anke feels at home transfers to high school, until she joins the volleyball team and learns while playing how to make her voice heard.  She finds strength she never knew she had, realizing that if she can yell her intentions on the court then maybe she can stand up for herself at home.

Chaltas' first novel is powerful and honest.  This devastating novel will have you quickly turning pages, rooting for Anke to find herself and fight back.  Though the abuse is not graphically portrayed it can be disturbing, especially to younger readers.

If you enjoy this book, try another dramatic novel written in verse (see the full list here):