Dang, lost my long review, forgot to install Lazarus on this computer.

Anyway, to sum, I do recommend this book that has a similar structure to Love that Dog to anyone who can empathize with sisters who help each other face some fairly intense life challenges. ?á(No yuck factor; a 'clean' read, but still tough.) ?áI don't have anything in common with these girls (lucky me) and so I just can't appreciate it.


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This book is interesting because it's a story written in the form of a new poem on each page. It starts off with information on Amber and Essie. Then it goes on to explain that their daddy is gone. At the end of all the poems their daddy comes home. I think this is a great book to show children different types of poetry. You can show them that it doesn't always have to rhyme and that you can tell a story or write a song with poetry.
Classroom extensions: Have the students write their own poem by describing an event that happened in their life. Or, they could write a poem of just the events that happened that day. Then they could add some art by drawing a picture of the most important part of their poem. ( )

5Q 3P (my VOYA code) Like the other book of poetry that I read for this class, this novel-in-verse would probably not be hugely and instantaneously popular with YA. Nevertheless it is a high quality novel-in-verse and would definitely be of interest to many readers.

I picked this book because we had it at my home when I was growing up through middle school and high school. I remember glancing at it but never really reading it. But wow, this book is beautiful. I loved this story of two sisters--it reminded me a lot of the relationship I have with my younger sister. The fights, making the Best Sandwich, taking care of each other. I also appreciated that this book told a story about youth living with an incarcerated parent. The illustrations were beautiful and worked with the poetry to tell this lovely, if sometimes sad, story. ( )

Summary:
In this particular book, there is a story in a collection of poems of free poetry through drawings about a really loving family. There are good moments and some tough problems going on such as the father was sent to jail, Mama worked late, the two sister Amber and Essie have a small argument, and their phone bill gets cut off since they are not able to pay for it. Also they barely have food in their home. There is even a time where Essie cuts off Amber's braids to her feet showing symbolism for the sadness for dad and a way to remember her. After that, Uncle B decides to help them with the phone and groceries. As they are heading home, there is a surprise and their dad has finally came back home and they are all a one happy family again.

Personal Reaction:
I like how the author portrays the true reality that there are families in our society that are struggling with serious issues but eventually things can get better for them with the helpful right resources provided for the family.

Classroom Extension:
1. Have the students write about a friend they know that is going through a hard time with their family and what they can personally do to help them through their church or other organizations in the community.
2. The students can have a discussion time explaining to the class what their response was based on if they liked it and what kind of emotions were going through their mind.

This book is a poetry book about Amber and Essie two sisters. Amber and Essie are best friends. Well, they really don't have friends. They Dad forged a signature and ended up in jail. Their mom works all the time and so they basically live together. until, A neighbor moves in that ives by herself. Suddenly a recenizable face reappears. who is it?