Kiss by Jacqueline Wilson explores the complexities of first love and identity through the eyes of its protagonist. Set against the backdrop of adolescence, the story delves into themes of friendship, sexuality, and the challenges of growing up. Readers follow the journey of the main character as they navigate their feelings and relationships, making it a relatable read for teenagers. Jacqueline Wilson’s poignant storytelling captures the emotional truthfulness of young love, making it a significant work for both teens and parents. This novel is ideal for those interested in contemporary young adult literature that addresses important social issues.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of first love, identity, and friendship in adolescence.
  • Features a relatable protagonist navigating complex emotions and relationships.
  • Addresses important social issues such as sexuality and acceptance.
  • Written by renowned author Jacqueline Wilson, known for her impactful storytelling.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jacqueline Wilson
182 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Young Adult (YA)
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jacqueline Wilson
182 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Young Adult (YA)
398
/ 182
IHATEDLUNCHtimes.IalwaysmissedCarlsomuch.
When we were in middle school we spent all our time together. We’d
rush off the moment the bell went, shovel down our school dinners in ten
minutesflat,andthenwe’dhaveawholehourjustbeingus.We’dsneakoff
tooneofourspecialfavouriteplaces.Whenitwassunnywe’dsprawlbythe
sandpitorsitkickingourlegsonthewallnearthebikesheds.We’dlurkin
thelibrarymostofthewinter.Itdidn’treallymatterwherewewere,justso
longasweweretogether.
Some days we didn’t talk much; we just read our books, chuckling or
commentingeverynowandthen.Sometimeswedrewtogetherorplayedsilly
papergames.Butmostdayswe’dinventanotherepisodeofGlassworld.We’d
actitout,thoughwecouldn’tdoitproperlyatschoolthewaywecouldinside
theGlassHut.Theotherkidsthoughtusweirdenoughasitwas.Iftheycame
across us declaringundyingloveasKingCarloandQueenSylvianathey’d
fallaboutlaughing.We’dmutterunderourbreathandmakeminutegestures
andthemagicwouldstartworkingandwe’dbewhirledofftotheglitterof
Glassworld.
Itwasalwaysashockwhenthebellrangforafternoonschool,shattering
ourcrystalcrownsandglassboots.Wetrudgedbackalongthepizza-smelling
corridors in our shabby trainers, wishing we could stay in Glassworld for
ever.
IstillkepttheGlassworldChroniclesuptodateinourhugemanuscript
book,andCarloccasionallyaddednotesoranillustration,butwedidn’toften
actitoutnowadays.Carlalwayshadsomuchboringhomework.Sometimes
hedidn’tcometotheGlassHutfordaysandI’dhavetogocallingforhim.
Itdidn’talwaysworkthen.He’dfollowmedownthroughthegardenand
sit in the hut with me, but he’d be all quiet and moody and not contribute
anything, or he’d be silly and mess around and say his speeches in stupid
/ 182
End of Document
398

Figures

Kiss by Jacqueline Wilson — Figure 1
times. I always missed Carl so much.
me to a party at her house tonight,’ I told Lucy at the
an ordinary large garden hut at first glance. It was made of planks
to Lark Drive, positively burbling with excitement.
my heart hammering under the hot black sweater. What was
cheated,’ said Andy, spinning the bottle experimentally.
to find us standing hand in hand by the kerb, ready and
and closed the door after me. I didn’t switch the light on. Red
sulking on Monday but Miranda was surprisingly friendly. She
, laughing and panting as we flopped onto the front seat.
to Carl’s that evening. Jules said he was upstairs in his room doing
about Lucy, so I bought her a bar of chocolate and a copy of
if Paul was now part of us, like it or not. When Carl and I were
terribly early on Sunday morning. She had a bath and washed her
home till late afternoon. She came to collect me at Carl’s.
to Kew on Friday evening, Carl, Paul, Miranda and me. We
was no point asking Carl what was wrong. He sat in the back of
Saturday evening on my way home from Lucy’s. Mum and I
by myself I might have gone the back garden way to see if Carl was
to talk about Carl to Miranda. Luckily she was too caught up with
to see Carl as soon as I got back from school but he wasn’t there.
up when I got home at last. I’d phoned her from the hospital
to Carl’s house. Jules was waiting white-faced in the kitchen.
‘At the heart of KISS … is an emotional truthfulness, courage and comedy’

You May Also Like

FAQs

What is the main theme of 'Kiss' by Jacqueline Wilson?
The main theme of 'Kiss' revolves around the complexities of friendship, love, and identity. The story follows Sylvie and her best friend Carl as they navigate their feelings for each other and for others, particularly in the context of growing up and discovering their sexual identities. The novel explores the emotional struggles that come with first love and the challenges of being true to oneself in the face of societal expectations.
Who are the main characters in 'Kiss'?
The main characters in 'Kiss' are Sylvie West and Carl Johnson. Sylvie is portrayed as a creative and imaginative girl who has a deep bond with Carl, her best friend since childhood. Carl is depicted as intelligent and artistic, with a passion for glass art. Their friendship is tested as they face the realities of adolescence, including romantic feelings and peer pressure.
How does Sylvie feel about her relationship with Carl?
Sylvie has a complex emotional attachment to Carl, viewing him as her best friend and the person she loves. Throughout the novel, she grapples with her feelings, especially as Carl begins to explore his identity and attraction to boys, including Paul. Sylvie's feelings are intertwined with her childhood memories and dreams of a future together, which complicates her emotions when faced with the possibility of losing Carl to someone else.
What incident causes tension between Carl and Paul?
Tension between Carl and Paul arises when Paul, feeling threatened by Carl's friendship with Miranda, lashes out at Carl after a series of teasing remarks from their peers. Paul accuses Carl of trying to make him gay and reacts violently, which leads to Carl feeling isolated and hurt. This incident highlights the challenges of navigating friendships and sexual identity in a school environment.
What role does the Glass Hut play in the story?
The Glass Hut serves as a significant setting in 'Kiss', symbolizing the special bond between Sylvie and Carl. It is where they create their imaginative world, Glassworld, and where they share their dreams and aspirations. The hut represents their childhood innocence and creativity, but it also becomes a place of tension when Carl's glass collection is destroyed, marking a turning point in their friendship.
How does Miranda influence Sylvie's life?
Miranda significantly influences Sylvie's life by introducing her to new experiences and social dynamics. As a more outgoing and confident character, Miranda encourages Sylvie to step out of her comfort zone, such as when they skip school together. However, Miranda also creates tension in Sylvie's relationship with Carl, as she expresses interest in him, leading Sylvie to feel conflicted about her friendships and loyalties.
What does Carl's glass collection symbolize in the novel?
Carl's glass collection symbolizes his artistic spirit and the fragility of his emotions. Each piece of glass represents his passion and the effort he has put into building his identity. When his collection is destroyed, it serves as a metaphor for the shattering of his childhood innocence and the challenges he faces as he comes to terms with his sexuality and the reactions of his peers.

Related