Diamond Willow by Helen Frost

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Bibliography
Frost, H. (2011).Diamond Willow. New York: Square Fish. ISBN 0374317763

Plot Summary
Willow is an average 12-year-old girl and she wants to remain that way. She does not like the glitz and the glamor, but prefers to go unnoticed. She lives in a town by the name of Old Fork with her mother, father, and little sister. Willow is part Athabascan, which means her ancestors came from Alaskan decent. Throughout the story one comes to figure out that Willows ancestors have been reincarnated into animals that keep a close watch on the well being of the family. Willow cannot wait for her parents to let her sled with the dogs on her own. She and her father share a love for dogs and favor Roxy. 

Eventually, her mother and father agree to let her take three dogs on a trip to her grandparent’s house. Though, on her way back home Willow becomes overconfident and she encounters a few mishaps as a result. During her attempt to return home Roxy, the leader of the pack gets hurt. Willow feels extremely guilty, because she was her dad’s favorite dog. Willow finds out that after the accident Roxy will most likely lose her eyesight and that there is a possibility she will be put down. 

Willow will not let that happen and decides to take action. She asks Katie her best friend for help in getting Roxy to her grandparent’s house in hope that they can help. Willow and Katie set out on their mission taking three sled dogs and Roxy wrapped in a blanket. To their luck the weather begins to change and they get lost. They resort to take shelter by a tree they come upon. The following day Willow is able to make it to her grandparents home, while Katie returns home with Richard to let everyone know they are okay. When Willow’s parents arrive they are more happy than upset to see their daughter. Eventually, everyone agrees that Roxy is a special part of the family that they can’t believe they ever thought of getting rid of her. It is later revealed that Willow had a twin sister by the name of Diamond that died a few days after they were born. It is revealed that Diamond was reincarnated into Roxy and the tree that had given Willow shelter during the storm was were Diamond’s ashes were placed.

Critical Analysis
This story of diamond shaped versus tells the tale of a girl coming of age and learning unveiling secrets. They are told from the viewpoint of the protagonist with the exception of a few narratives. These poems have a bold encoded message as a reference to the diamond willow bark. This bold text gives a hint as to what is the main point of each poem. The main character Diamond Willow wants to show everyone that she is old enough to dogsled on her own. During her first dogsled there is an incident and Willow has to confront the consequences. Willow knows that she cannot let Roxy be euthanized and she sets out to save her. Willow is strong headed and tends to stay to herself. Her joy comes from spending time with the family dogs and her only friend Katie. 

Through the story Willow grows as an individual, owns up to her mistakes, faces her fears, makes new friends, and learns some revealing things about her family. The story does a wonderful job in unfolding through these narrative poems. In my view I did not even feel like I was reading poetry. I was so caught up with what would happen next that I did not even notice how well it was developed in verses. The cover is inviting and sparks curiosity. The shades of blue gives the reader a hint on the location the story will take place.

Review Excerpt(s)

  • Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2010)
  • Iowa Children's Choice Award Nominee (2011)
  • Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2011)
  • Review in GOODREADS: "Using diamond-shaped poems inspired by forms found in polished diamond willow sticks, Helen Frost tells the moving story of Willow and her family."
  • Review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Far more kid-friendly than her previous books, Helen Frost has a knack for writing free-verse novels that never feel like someone took a page of prose and broke it up arbitrarily.”


Connections
This book of verses is a coming of age book. This story can be a wonderful way to address rites of passage. Children sometimes want to grow up to fast and this book could lead to a great class discussion. It can also be a story for children coping with death. Other books with similar message: 

Kimmel, Elizabeth Cody. Legend of the Ghost Dog. ISBN 9780545391276


FROST, HELEN. Among a Thousand Fireflies. ISBN 9780763676421

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