DIAMOND WILLOW

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2008. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 978-0-374-31776-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Helen Frost tells the story of Willow, a young teenage girl that feels unconnected to her community and desires more closeness to people in her community and her grandparents. Willow has a deep connection to one sled dog and during a rough wild adventure; there is a terrible accident that changes their lives forever. Willow struggles through the whole book and is oblivious to the ancestors that surround her in the form of wild animals. These animals help willow through her journey and when her journey is over she has a new appreciation for her past and a new knowledge of her family.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Frost uses a unique jewel pattern on each page to help illustrate the overall message that knowledge grows through time and being cultured, just like precious jewels. This unique styling also lends itself to another technique used by Frost. This secondary technique is the use of bold words to convey a deep inner thought of the character or theme of the page.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion.”

BOOKLIST review: “Frost, who spent years teaching in Alaska, blends the young teen’s viewpoint with a strong sense of place and culture.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book is great for young readers who enjoy books of personal discovery and growth.

*Other engaging books of concrete poetry for middle graders:

Smith, Hope Anita. KEEPING THE NIGHT WATCH. ISBN 978-0805072020

Herlong, M.H. THE GREAT WIDE SEA. ISBN 978-0-670-06330-7