Review: Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

Synopsis: 

There's

more to me than

most people

see.

Twelve-year-old Willow would rather blend in than stick out. But she still wants to be seen for who she is. She wants her parents to notice that she is growing up. She wants her best friend to like her better than she likes a certain boy. She wants, more than anything, to mush the dogs out to her grandparents' house, by herself, with Roxy in the lead. But sometimes when it's just you, one mistake can have frightening consequences . . . And when Willow stumbles, it takes a surprising group of friends to help her make things right again.

Using diamond-shaped poems inspired by forms found in polished diamond willow sticks, Helen Frost tells the moving story of Willow and her family. Hidden messages within each diamond carry the reader further, into feelings Willow doesn't reveal even to herself. (from the online description)

Review: After reading this author’s book Keisha’s House, I immediately picked this up when I saw it on sale. I was not disappointed. Alternating between diamond-shaped poems, from the viewpoint of Willow, and from the viewpoint of her ancestors, the story takes the reader through the wild and frozen world of Alaska. Willow has spent her short 12 years under the knowledge that something isn’t right about her and her life. But it takes a journey, a horrible accident, and a special dog for her to set things right.

The unique story-telling technique brings so much to this narrative. With just a few words, the authors draws in the reader, and creates an authentic world, full of magic, sorrow, and redemption. I particularly enjoyed the First Nations mythology that is woven into the story. It gives this book a spirit and soul.

I highly recommend this book, particularly for late elementary and middle grade readers. It is an excellent introduction to story-thru-poetry. Also, SPOILER: No animals die. 

Bookmarks:  4 of 5

Awards: 2009 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award / 2008 Mitten Award--Michigan Library Association / The Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry: 2009 Honor Book / 2009 Winner of Best Books of Indiana, Children and Young Adult Book / 2009 CCBC Choices List

ISBN: 978-0-374-31776-8
Year Published: 2008
Date Finished: 1-6-2019
Pages: 112