Diamond Willow

Bibliography
Frost, H. (2011). Diamond Willow. New York: Square Fish, an imprint of Macmillan/Farrar Straus Giroux.

Plot Summary
Twelve-year-old Willow would rather blend in than stick out. But she still wants to be seen for who she is. She wants her parents to notice that she is growing up. She wants her best friend to like her better than she likes a certain boy. She wants, more than anything, to mush the dogs out to her grandparents' house, by herself, with Roxy in the lead. But sometimes when it's just you, one mistake can have frightening consequences . . . And when Willow stumbles, it takes a surprising group of friends to help her make things right again.
Using diamond-shaped poems inspired by forms found in polished diamond willow sticks, Helen Frost tells the moving story of Willow and her family. Hidden messages within each diamond carry the reader further, into feelings Willow doesn't reveal even to herself.

Critical Analysis
The unique shape of the poems is what make this collection a wonderful story to share. We don’t see the typical structure of rhyme, rhythm, and beat in these poems. But the words are oozing with emotions and feelings of a young girl wanting to prove herself old enough.
The story that comes through in the words of Frost will connect with many young readers. I found myself looking forward to turning each page and going right to the bold words so I could figure out what was going to happen next (and what Willow was thinking). Those hidden messages showed the true feelings of Willow even thought she didn’t realize them herself.
The storyline and word choice made it flow with little effort. I found myself wanting to keep reading, just to find out the outcome. I appreciate the simplicity of it.

Review Excerpt
Booklist (June 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 19))
Frost, who spent years teaching in Alaska, blends the young teen’s viewpoint with a strong sense of place and culture. The casual diamond shape of the poems reflects how precious jewels of wisdom can grow around painful scars. Willow’s bond with Roxy is the heart of the tale. Give this to fans of dog stories and to readers who liked Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet.
School Library Journal (June 1, 2008)
 Frost casts a subtle spell through innovative storytelling. Her poems offer pensive imagery and glimpses of character, and strong emotion. This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.

Awards
·         2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
·         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

Connections
•         Students can create their own shape poem about something that may have happen to them.
•         Extend the lesson and have students research mushing and mush dogs.
•         Students can think about a time when they felt they needed to prove themselves. Write about the situation and the turnout.