Book Review - Diamond Willow

1. Bibliography 
Frost, Helen. 2008. Diamond Willow. New York, NY: Frances Foster Books. ISBN: 978-0-374-31776-8.

2. Plot Summary
Willow, a 12 year old Alaskan girl, finds herself in quite a difficult situation.  Her bold decision results in causing her family to view her as much more grown up and ready to learn about a family secret.  The presentation of the text in diamond-shaped verse adds interest to a great story. 

3. Critical Analysis
Helen Frost really captures the interest of the pre-teen reader through both the presentation of the verse on the page and the interesting story. Willow is a character who most "tweens" can relate to.  "I'm skinny and ordinary like a stick." Though the story is written in verse, the author artfully tells it completely and in such an appealing presentation on each page, using a diamond shape for the text. The language is succinct, while painting vivid images.  The "hidden" message on each page adds to the theme of the plot, that there is more to this family than even Willow knows. The scars caused on a Willow branch by a limb breaking off result in beautiful diamond marks on the strong wood.  This imagery create a vivid image while showing the reader that just as this family has suffered from some crises, Diamond Willow (the main character's full name) comes through it all, strong and beautiful.  What an inspiring message for all who read this inspiring story.  

This realistic fiction story seems very real until the animals are credited for contributing their thoughts periodically throughout the story.  These pages are written in standard form, not typeset on the page in the shape of a diamond.  Additionally, there is one potential concern that some might have about this story.  The author presents the idea of reincarnation in a subtle way at first, and more overtly as the story continues.  This concept fits nicely into this story, set in the heart of Alaska, where traditional native people's ideas are often embraced.  However, there could possibly be some readers or parents who are opposed to exposing their children to this concept.

Except for the one drawing of willow branches on the Author's Note page, there are no illustrations.  However,  the words, through effective descriptions as well as the shape on the page, serve as effective "illustrations" for this story in verse. 

4. Review Excerpts
2008 Horn Book Starred: "the tale wears its knowledge gracefully" 
 
2008 Booklist: "diamond shape of the poems reflects how precious jewels of wisdom can grow around painful scars"

5. Connections
Locate other books by Helen Frost, such as Monarch and Milkweed, and complete a compare and contrast lesson. 

Research Willow trees (where they grow, how many species there are, how the diamond scars are created, etc) and relate this knowledge to how the author uses this phenomenon in nature to write an entire book.