LSSL 5360 Module 3, review #3- DIAMOND WILLOW

Book Review #3, Module 3
DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, H. (2011). Diamond Willow. New York: Square Fish.

2.  PLOT SUMMARY
Diamond Willow is a collection of poetry that tells a story of 12 year old Willow, a dog musher, and her lead dog, Roxy. This story is set in Alaska, and told in diamond-shaped poems that lead us through a journey in the voices of both Willow and the animals.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Diamond Willow is a deep story filled with symbolism about a unique girl with a unique name who feels anything but unique. Willow feels just as she describes: “skinny, average height, brown hair, and ordinary eyes.” She believes she is the girl who blends- nothing like a sparkly diamond, despite her name. We connect her name to the most obvious symbolism present in Frost’s writing: the free verse poems are cleverly constructed in the form of a diamond. Frost also strategically bolds certain words throughout each poem, and if the reader only reads these words, we discover the innermost thoughts of Willow hidden within each poem. These bolded words represent Willow’s subconscious- thoughts that perhaps she isn’t even sure she is having. I love this style of detail; what a great way to get young readers to really read and pay attention to the hidden messages of Willow’s thoughts.

The content of the story itself is interesting, deep, and intriguing, but the folksy presence of reincarnated ancestors as animals was a weird twist for me. Perhaps it was a fun (albeit creepy) look into the Alaskan culture that Willow lives in. I loved that we start from Willow’s perspective as she dives deep into a search for who she is, for her other half, you may say, even before she knows why. In a heartfelt surprise, we find that the dog she loves so dearly, Roxy, is the reincarnated spirit of her twin sister. Slowly, we watch the pieces Willow is searching for start to come together.

In this story of a girl who feels quite ordinary, you will find rich writing, clever poetry, characters, and spirits that are anything but ordinary. Frost brings us through a journey of a girl and her dog who are connected on a deeper level than we imagined. Through mistakes, struggle, and consequences, Willow not only finds who she is, but finds the sweetest companion, too.

4.   REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
*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
*Indie Next Kids' List Great Read
*Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Finalist
*Bank Street List of Best Children's Books
*Capitol Choices Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens

"This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters." —School Library Journal

“Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl’s discovery of family roots and secrets.” —Booklist

5. CONNECTIONS
*ideal for middle school; I would suggest ages 8 and up- heavy theme, emotionally mature content
*would be great for a story book- could draw the animal characters and put visuals to this picture-less book
*Other book to consider: The Braid by Helen Frost