NOVELS-IN-VERSE: The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron & The Road to After by
I've had the privilege of reading a bunch of books in verse for an article I've been writing. As a result I'll be sharing a number of them over the next few weeks. The two books I highlight here I absolutely loved. Not only did I enjoy the beautiful verse and language, but the stories are touching and I fell in love with the characters. One story revolves around a young boy struggling with selective mutism and the other with a girl and her family who are looking for healing after fleeing years of abuse. Both books deal with sensitive issues very well.
REVIEW
In 1989, in a small town just outside San Francisco, Etan struggles to find his voice. After his mother leaves to receive treatment at a mental hospital, Etan stops speaking. His father and grandfather encourage him to speak up but he does so rarely. When he meets Malia, a young girl with a severe skin disorder, he finds a kindred spirit as well as his voice. With the help of his grandfather and some clay from his grandfather's old wooden treasure box brought from Europe when he immigrated years ago, Etan seeks to help Malia find the healing and confidence she needs to perform at an upcoming talent show. Meanwhile, Etan's father and grandfather disagree over their Jewish faith and Etan faces a difficult decision. Things become even more topsy-turvy as several smaller earthquakes lead up to a big one. This beautifully written novel-in-verse shares a beautiful story of friendship and family and faith with a touch of magical realism. Etan's thoughts and feelings shine through the free verse presenting the reader with an close up view of his experiences. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not only is the story a touching one, but free verse proves to be the perfect format for telling it. The characters won me over very quickly, especially Etan and Malia as their friendship formed. Etan's relationship with his grandfather and parents are tender as well. A wonderful read for young readers.
Lacey, her mother, and little sister, Jenna, flee domestic abuse with the help of the police and her grandparents. But their beloved dog gets left behind. At first Lacey and her family struggle to adjust to their changed circumstances. But the help of family, therapy, a safe place to stay, and her love of nature help Lacey start to heal. The free verse poetry that Lowell uses to tell her story puts the reader right into Lacey's mind and heart as she deals with her own trauma as well as that of her mother and sister. Using the image of a seed sprouting and growing into a blooming sunflower, the story is divided into sections as Lacey and her family sprout and slowly grow with the help of 'sun' and 'water'. The imagery is beautiful and the story heart wrenching in its realism. Based on personal experiences of the author this story will leave an imprint on the heart of all who read its words. Not only is this a story of healing and family but it's a tender reminder of the beauty that can be found in the wonders of nature.
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