DIAMOND WILLOW by Helen Frost review

1.      BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. 2008. diamond willow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. ISBN 0374317763

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Told through verse novel, DIAMOND WILLOW is the story of a 12 year old part Arthabascan girl who lives in a small town in Alaska. Her full name is Diamond Willow, but her parents agree to call her Willow for short. Willow is a quiet, shy girl struggling to fit in. After a lot of begging and pleading from Willow, her parents reluctantly allow her to take the family dogs and mush to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. Unbeknownst to her, many of Willow’s ancestors are watching over her on her journey as spirits in the form of animals. On the return trip, there is an accident which leaves the lead dog, Roxy, blind. Feeling a special bond with the dog, Willow is unable to support her parent’s decision to have Roxy put to sleep. Willow convinces her only friend Kaylie to help her take the dog to her grandparent’s house, where she will be safe. Due to a snowstorm, the girls veer off the trail, get lost and spend the night outside in the storm. Once again, the animals are present to guide them out of danger. After being told her family secret, she had a twin that died; Willow learns the real meaning behind her name, Diamond Willow. Although Willow does not know, the reader learns that the spirit of her twin sister, Diamond, actually lives on in Roxy; thus the reason for the strong bond between the two.

3.      CRITICAL ANALYSIS

DIAMOND WILLOW is a verse novel written through many poems that could easily stand alone. With each new page, a narrative story of change taking place in a young girl, told through multiple points of view, unfolds right before the reader’s eye. The title, DIAMOND WILLOW, is accentuated through the unique diamond shape of each poem. The clever way Helen Frost included a second story by bold printing a few words in each poem, forces the reader to connect with Willow; to feel what she is feeling. Many of Willow’s ancestors are represented by the spirit of various animals throughout the novel. The presence of these animals assures the reader that someone or something is taking care of Willow, watching out for her well being.

  

The absence of illustrations is one of the strongest points of this book. Through the unique choice of words and language, the reader is able to create visual pictures for each poem. One can actually see the Spruce Hen (Willow’s great-great-great grandmother) guiding Willow on her journey or the bandages that need to be changed on Roxy’s eyes. In this one book, the reader is sent an emotional roller coaster, smiling, laughing, crying, as each page is turned. Middle school children, especially those who feel like they connect with Willow’s loneliness, will walk away knowing they are not alone in the world.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “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.”

BOOKLIST review: “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.”

2009 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award

5. CONNECTIONS

*After reading, children break into groups to discuss the following questions:

            1. How did this poem make you feel?

            2. Why do you think Helen Frost included the animals in the poem?

            3. How did Willow’s life change in just a few short days?

            4. How can you relate/connect with Willow?

*Children can be the illustrators for this book. Each child can chose their favorite poem from the story and create an illustration to accompany it. This will require students to pay attention to the minute details in the poems since there are no previous illustrations.

*Brainstorm a list of the characters (including animal spirits) in the poem. Students work together to choose a few of the most important lines from each character. Once these lines are compiled, students conduct a reader’s theater.

*Other poetry books by this author:

Frost, Helen. THE BRAID. ISBN 0374309620

Frost, Helen. CROSSING STONES. ISBN 0374316538