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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I am working to build a database of high-quality YA books for use in after-school literacy programs for diverse, urban students. This book came highly recommended to me, and I'm so glad it did. Although I am not a huge fan of poetry and I thought the story could have been told just as well without it, the format definitely lends itself well to some great discussions and activities.
Additionally, I loved how the book represented the voice of so many different characters, ethnicities, backgrounds, and problems. It's often hard to find books that will resonate with both boys and girls, but I think this book will appeal to kids from all backgrounds and walks of life. Even if they can't relate to ALL the stories in the book, I think everyone can take something different from it.
Based on the format and some of the themes in this book, I would say it could be compared to Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes. However, Bronx Masquerade seems slightly more realistic than Keesha's House, but it might be interesting to have students read both books and compare the two.
Regardless, I plan on adding this book to our list of YA books for consideration in our programs.
Additionally, I loved how the book represented the voice of so many different characters, ethnicities, backgrounds, and problems. It's often hard to find books that will resonate with both boys and girls, but I think this book will appeal to kids from all backgrounds and walks of life. Even if they can't relate to ALL the stories in the book, I think everyone can take something different from it.
Based on the format and some of the themes in this book, I would say it could be compared to Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes. However, Bronx Masquerade seems slightly more realistic than Keesha's House, but it might be interesting to have students read both books and compare the two.
Regardless, I plan on adding this book to our list of YA books for consideration in our programs.
As beautifully written as Helen Frost's stories always are, I love the fact that she includes thorough notes about the various poetic forms she uses. She is a true artist in the way she shapes and molds and plays with her words.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you know or teach kids like Keesha, they will love this book of poetry. Those who tend to be a bit more literary will mostly enjoy Frost's clever rhyme schemes and types of poetry with which only professors are familiar.
This book is truly amazing. Using traditional poetic forms and a full array of voices, Frost tells the story of Keesha's house and the family she builds there. Some of the kids have families they can trust and safe homes to go back to. Others, including Keesha, don't. We hear about them from themselves and from each other, as well as hearing from some adults in their lives, who often don't know how to do enough, but some of whom come through. We see the dangers, the tragic consequences, but also the many ways to survive.
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this years ago while in an undergrad young adult for educators class. At the time, I was dismissive. Revisited it today after 6 years of teaching middle school and it felt just right. Simply and honestly expresses so many voices while using traditional poetry forms and comparing various points of view. Centers on many difficult themes, but does so in a measured way. Probably best for high school readers but I plan to share excerpts with my middle school students.
By no means am I diminishing the many and important real-life issues Frost presents in this short work of verse, but Keesha's House reads to me like Ellen Hopkins-lite: Not great verse, too many characters, issue after issue after issue, too tidy resolution. I suppose for a reluctant reader this might be an ok pick, and it's an important addition to any collection. I just didn't find it particularly well written or compelling.
The simplistic poetry style for the novel seemed to make the characters more alive. It was an intertwining of seven children in a touching story of finding a safe haven. A must read for high schoolers.
A series of dramatic monologues are used to tell the stories of the house in which Joe, whose Aunt had taken him into her house when he was young and in need, now owns that house and does the same for a variety of kids with their own problems. The stories are told in sonnets and sestinas, and done so beautifully that many readers were unaware they were reading poetry until afterwards. Keesha needs a safe place to stay, Stephie is pregnant at 16, Harris’s father threw him out… Adults’ are included as well, including teachers, parents, grandparents and Joe himself.