Plot:
The format of the book is a school journal whose entries are written by Jack. The entries center around a poetry unit Jack has in school and the tone is set early when he writes, “I don’t want to, because boys don’t write poetry. Girls do.” Even though all of the entries are made by Jack, the gentle guiding of the teacher is revealed through the entries. As Jack finds his voice he slowly finds the courage to reveal his feelings and agrees to allow some of his poetry to be displayed in the classroom as long as his name does not appear on the work. “...don’t tell anyone who wrote them, okay?” He honestly admits to not understanding the poems of Robert Frost and William Blake among others, but has an awakening after reading a poem by Walter Dean Myers. The poem Love That Boy inspires Jack to recall the passion and joy he felt for his dog Sky and allows him to blossom as a poet, capturing the love, pain, joy and connection that was locked in his memory... And by the way, Walter Dean Myers visits Jack’s school thanks to a letter from Jack!
Review/Personal thoughts:
What a great book! The transformation that takes place with Jack is joyful to read as he derives inspiration, discovers his voice and connects with the power of writing poetry. Young reader’s should equally be inspired themselves through Jack’s unfolding and discovery. I loved the entry where Jack is questioning the “pasture poem” his teacher read and he writes “I think Mr. Robert Frost has a little too much time on his hands.” Although Sky the dog is not a dominant character, Jack’s memory of him allows for a very poignant and profound moment for the reader. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone. I am happy that I have “discovered” it. Please read it and let me know if you don’t agree that this is a well written, accessible and joyful book.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Reading Level: 4.1 Interest level: Ages 8 to 12
Awards:
Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002 ; Bank Street College of Education
ABC Children's Booksellers Choices Award, 2002 Winner Middle Grade Readers
Carnegie Medal, 2001
Christopher Award, 2002 Winner Ages 8-10
Claudia Lewis Award, 2001 & 2002
School Library Journal Best Books, 2001
New York Times Notable Books, 2001
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