Posts Tagged ‘Communication’

Grimes uses poetry to tell the mirrored stories of two boys: a modern day child of divorce and biblical Ishmael. This amazing book should help convince teens that poetry does not have to rhyme, and can be a great read.

Watch Out For: Both stories call upon God and include prayer and church, but there are few specifics. Divorce, remarriage, hypocrisy and betrayal by the father, and forgiveness are major themes.

Harry is worried about his Aunt Rose getting married, especially after hearing horror stories from friends. But even after his dog interrupts the ceremony, Harry realizes that weddings, and his new uncle, can be a lot of fun.

Watch Out For:
If you are reading this book to help a nervous child prepare for an upcoming family wedding, this book may introduce some new fears. Tales of pinched cheeks, lost rings and intruding cats complicate things, but the wedding turns out fine.

It is rare for a children’s book to be as poetic and deep as The Tiger Rising. The story of Rob Horton’s adjustment to a new life in a new town after his mother’s death. The discovery of a tiger, caged in the woods, changes his outlook, and changes his life.

Watch Out For: Rob deals with many issues in this short book. Bullies, illness, fear and amazement are all discussed. Another character has to confront reality of her father leaving the family. But the largest issue by far is Rob’s emotion and grief, which he has driven down until he can no longer cry. His father also refuses to speak of his mother, and only the death of the tiger can force all their pain and fear into the open.