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megoland's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, so touching, such a different style, I definitely recommend it.
carriek333's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book! Great book about the determined spirit of a young girl and the dog she loves.
andeez's review against another edition
5.0
Why did it take me years to read this book? It's my only regret. Now that I have, its become a part of me.
This novel in verse follows the story of Alaska Native, Athabascan, Willow. She is 12, tries to not stand out in a crowd, but deems herself independent enough to mush the 12 miles from her house to her grandparents house.
There is tragedy, mythology, friendship, love, and so much more. I'm a fan of libraries and don't often recommend books to own - but this is one of them. I could read it again and again.
This novel in verse follows the story of Alaska Native, Athabascan, Willow. She is 12, tries to not stand out in a crowd, but deems herself independent enough to mush the 12 miles from her house to her grandparents house.
There is tragedy, mythology, friendship, love, and so much more. I'm a fan of libraries and don't often recommend books to own - but this is one of them. I could read it again and again.
tvisser's review against another edition
4.0
Read because it is an award book, loved the way it was written.
heatherefj's review against another edition
3.0
Helen Frost tells the story of 12 year old Diamond Willow, named after diamond willow sticks, which when carved and polished, have beautiful diamond-shaped designs. These designs are the forms which Frost's poems take in the book, each containing a hidden message.
Willow struggles interacting with other humans, however she loves dogs and has a special connection with her family's favorite sled dog, Roxy. While attempting to save Roxy's life, an unexpected snowstorm ends up landing Willow in a harrowing predicament. Ultimately, though, this adventure leads to the reveal of a family secret kept hidden Willow's entire life.
A quick read and a creative format, "Diamond Willow" is on the Bluestem nominee list for 2019 for grades 3-5.
Willow struggles interacting with other humans, however she loves dogs and has a special connection with her family's favorite sled dog, Roxy. While attempting to save Roxy's life, an unexpected snowstorm ends up landing Willow in a harrowing predicament. Ultimately, though, this adventure leads to the reveal of a family secret kept hidden Willow's entire life.
A quick read and a creative format, "Diamond Willow" is on the Bluestem nominee list for 2019 for grades 3-5.
vasiljul000's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my all time favorite books. This book alternates between narrative poems and prose throughout the chapters. The words are written in the formation of a diamond. On some pages, there are certain words that are in bold and when you read them separately, they create their own poem. This almost gives a feeling that you are getting two books in one. This book follows Willow, a twelve-year-old Alaskan girl as she wants to prove to her parents that she is growing up. She wants to prove to herself and her family that she can sled to her grandparents' house all by herself with her sled dogs. Full of heartbreak, tragedy, love, and adventure, Willow ultimately finds her familial roots.
karingforbooks's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Loved the format and how it linked to the story. Wanted more out of it but think it had good themes around identity
markat323's review against another edition
5.0
I hadn't heard anything about this book until it was selected as the Mitten Award Winner. I immediately placed it on hold. When I saw the format I knew it would be a quick read, but I didn't realize how good it would be! Most of the text is written in various diamond shapes. Within this text are bolded words forming a "hidden message". These I found to be the most strong messages! Interspersed throughout are "chapters" in the voices of renincarnated family members (as animals watching over Willow and other characters). These two concepts were an interesting way to tell a story. Even though there are flaws in the actual story (there doesn't seem to be any consequences to Willow's actions), they didn't bother me because of the unique and emotional way it is told. To simply say it is a story about a girl's desire to rescue her beloved dog is to not give it justice.
mkbaker526's review against another edition
4.0
Such a cute Tale! I loved it it was adventurous, sad, and happy!
janez's review
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5