his novel-in-verse portrays two parallel stories through multiple perspectives about two friends and neighboring families and how they are both affected by WWI, post-war, women’s rights, first love, and more. Frost captures the feel of the 1910’s and how all people are trying to make it, through her beautifully crafted words and verses symbolizing an actual river and stones to emphasize the title and meaning of the story. ( )

This novel in verse tells a story of how the WWI impacts two families, namely how the way impacts the 18 year old protagonist Muriel. She lives on one side of a creek with her parents, younger sister Grace, and her brother Ollie, who goes off to the war. The family on the other side of the creek are of similar age, Frank, who goes to fight in the war, and Emma, who is just younger than Muriel. The men go off to the war and the women are left to take care of the home and keep things running. The book is told from different perspectives and the short entries are formed into different shapes. Muriel's entries are long, centered and flowing down the page, while all the others form compact circle shapes. ( )

another amazing book from this amazing author ( )

Helen Frost never ceases to amaze me. ( )

This historical fiction novel-in-verse is a great, quick read about two families and how their lives are forever changed when the US joins WWI. It gives glimpses into life in the 1910s, including women picketing for the right to vote and the dreaded telegram from the military. Make sure to read the author's note at the end, explaining the form of poetry she used. It really makes you appreciate how she really had to think about every word she used. ( )