DIAMOND WILLOW

1.  BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen. DIAMOND WILLOW. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008.

ISBN 978-0-374-31776-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This coming of age story tells of a pre-adolescent girl’s quest of self-discovery. While living with her close-knit family in Alaska, Willow often feels isolated and alone at school, yet she loves the families’ working dogs, especially Roxy. After finally receiving her parents’ blessing to drive the dogsled to her grandparent’s home, Willow allows the dogs to take a curve too quickly, causing an accident to blind Willow’s favorite dog. Willow spends much of the story on a quest to protect Roxy from destruction. Throughout her journey, her ancestors mystically come to her aid in times of great need.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Helen Frost’s verse novel presents a rich story highlighted by a brilliant visual structure. Whenever the protagonist Willow narrates, each page’s text is formed in a cone-like diamond shape. Within the verse of the diamond-shaped text, various bolded words trickle down the page, resembling tears trickling down the diamonds. These trickling bolded words create an otherwise hidden message that reflects the heart of the narrator during the events described on the page. The brilliantly chosen word choice and imagery create anticipation in the reader. The touching narrative descriptions of Willow’s feelings, frustrations, and hopes, elicit feelings of empathy and tenderness toward the protagonist. Frost paints a vivid picture of the setting with her graceful word choice. Anyone who has felt lost or left out can relate thematically to Willow’s unspoken quest to find herself.

DIAMOND WILLOW is well suited for fifth through eighth grade students because of its form and subject matter. This narrative poetry is rich with Alaskan native cultural traditions. Although some may find the mystic aspects of the novel objectionable, those who love a touching story will still enjoy this creative and intelligently composed narrative while simultaneously learning about another culture. Readers will appreciate the universal angst of a pre-adolescent’s journey to confidence and maturity.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, 2009

The Lion and the Unicorn Award for Excellence in North American Poetry: Honor Book, 2009

Horn Book, July 2008

HORN BOOK starred, September 2008: “Despite some misplaced mysticism, as a dog and dogsled story, the tale wears its knowledge gracefully.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, June 2008: “This complex and elegant novel will resonate with readers who savor powerful drama and multifaceted characters.”

5.  CONNECTIONS

Create a cause-and-effect organizer for DIAMOND WILLOW. As a class, in partners, or individually, analyze the causes, prior causes, effects, and later effects of Willow’s accident on the way home from her grandparent’s home. Make sure students give examples of text support. As a class, create inference statements about Willow’s behavior and choices. Finally, from the inferences, take the process a step further and create generalizations about how people may in general behave in situations similar to Willow’s.

Other writings of Helen Frost:

• KEESHA’S HOUSE.  ISBN 978-1-42872-872-1
• SPINNINNG THROUGH THE UNIVERSE.  ISBN 978-0-374-37159-3
• THE BRAID.  ISBN 978-0-374-30962-6