retrieved from us.macmillan.com on 3/1/2013

Diamond Willow

Frost, H.. Diamond Willow. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2008. ISBN 9780374317768

Critical Analysis:

Using a combination of shape verse and prose Frost tells the tale of Diamond Willow, a young Athabascan girl struggling with the growing pains of adolescents. Longing for independence yet wanting her family to really see her for who she is, Diamond Willow pours out her heart and soul in verse.

                                                            I

                                                           tie

                                                       the dogs

                                                    and Grandpa

                                                helps me feed them.

                                            We look at Roxy’s foot.

                                     I tell Grandpa she had a run-in

                             with a porcupine. Oh, he says, that nune

                           It’s one of our Indian words. Or, as we say,

                           Dinak’i. I know some, from bilingual class,

                        but not as much as Grandpa and Grandma, not

                         even as much as Mom. Sometimes, when we’re

                      dropping off to sleep out here, I hear them talking

                        Dinak’i, chuckling together, and I feel a little bit

                             left out. Not that I would like to go back to

                                the old times I hear the two of them talk

                                  about- back when people didn’t have

                                         TV, computers, telephones, or

                                          snowmachines and airplanes.

                                              I’d miss all those things.

                                                   But I like to listen

                                                     to their stories.

                                                      I know if I try,

                                                       I can learn to

                                                         understand

                                                               them.

Told from Diamond’s point of view, Frost cleverly inserts darkened print into the middle of each poem that reveals the deepest secrets of Diamond Willow’s heart much as the diamond shaped scar on a willow reveals a hidden beauty that only comes from a branch being broken off. Beautifully and sensitively written poetry skillfully reveals the inward heart of a pre-teen girl as well as the culture from which she comes. An author’s note at the beginning of the book enlightens the reader to the reason for the chosen shape of the poems. The prose inserts give a further glimpse into Native Alaskan culture. Well written, heartfelt, and delightful.

Book Reviews/Awards:

 Frost’s book sparkles with the beauty of nature, realization of truth, and surprising twists in both form and plot. The ALAN Review, Fall 2008 (Vol. 36, No. 1))

Each of Frost’s narrative, concrete poems—all variations on a diamond shape—have a hidden message emphasized in boldface type. They are the essence of feeling in each poem, just as the animals in Frost’s story are the essence of a loved one. The revelation of a secret kept far too long brings the story to a rich emotional climax that affirms Roxy’s place in Willow’s heart and family and encourages Willow to open her heart to happiness and let others in. CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2009)

Cybil Award, 2008 Finalist Middle Grade Novels United States

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2009 Winner United States

Best Children’s Books of the Year, 2009 Bank Street College of Education; United States

Connections:

Social studies connection: read this book throughout a unit on either Alaskan or Native American history/culture. Combine this with a museum field trip or a guest speaker.

Library Connection: In November create a display of Native American literature, folk tales and poetry for Native American Heritage Month. If you can, invite local Native Americans to share their stories, artifacts and customs.

Other Books by Helen Frost:

Why Darkness Seems So Light: Young People Speak Out About Violence, 1998

Rabbits, 2001

Keesha’s House, 2004