DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost

DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost

Bibliography:  Frost, Helen. 2011.  DIAMOND WILLOW. Harrisonburg, Virginia: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company. ISBN: 978-0-31260383-0.

Plot Summary: Diamond Willow is about a young girl, whom the story is named after.  Diamond Willow lives in Alaska with her family and helps take care of the sled dogs.  She feels that the dogs are the only ones who really like and understand her.  Diamond Willow is close to one dog in particular, Roxy.  Roxy and Diamond think the same way and are able to run with the sled like they were one.  One day Diamond takes the dogs to her grandparent’s house for the first time by herself.  Everything goes well except on the way back.  There’s an accident and Roxy loses her sight completely.  Diamond feels completely responsible and her parents want to put Roxy to sleep.  Diamond won’t have it and runs off with Roxy to her grandparent’s house, her friend Kaylie along for the ride.  They get lost along the way but with a little help from unexpected friends Diamond and Roxy make it to the house. After everyone is safe they decide not to put Roxy to sleep.  However, a strange turn of events leads to the revealing of Diamond Willows twin sister who passed away when she was a baby.  We then find out that the spirit of Diamond’s twin sister resides within Roxy.  Roxy and Diamond are rarely parted and love each other like the twins they are.

 

Critical Analysis: I was a little leery to read this book at first but I am so glad that I did.  The story itself is beautiful and very ethereal.  However, the way the story was written stole the show for me.  In the beginning of the book the author explains that she once saw a lamp and a walking stick made out of Diamond Willow which has diamond shaped divots where a branch has either been damaged or falls away.  So she wrote her story in diamond shaped poems.  I was so floored by this.  What a great idea! Within each poem are words written in bold that create a completely different sentence.  This has become one of my very favorite books simply for its individuality.  Another aspect of the story that really got to me was the ancestor in animal form.  For example, one of the animals that help Diamond along the way, a hen, is her great-great-great grandmother’s spirit.  I just loved that.  Wonderful book with great form!

Review Excerpts:

·      School Library Journal: “This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama multifaceted characters.”

·      Booklist: “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.”

·       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.

Connections:

·      This book is a great introduction to non rhyming poetry

·      Shape poems

·      A great way to explore the Alaskan culture

·      Other books by this author

o   Frost, Helen. 2009. CROSSING STONES. ISBN: 0374316538

o   Frost, Helen. 2007. KEESHA’S HOUSE. ISBN: 0374400121

o   Frost, Helen. 2007. THE BRAID. ISBN: 0374309620