Room 214 - by Helen Frost (Paperback)

About the Book

"Previously published as Spinning through the universe"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

Engrossing tales from the fifth grade

Every child is like
A little world with ever-changing weather,
Nights and mornings. And somehow, here we are,
Spinning through the universe together.

Unforgettable students in this fifth-grade classroom reveal their private feelings about birth and death, a missing bicycle and a first kiss, as well as their thoughts about recess, report cards, fitting in, and family.

Using a rich array of traditional poetic forms, such as sonnets, sestinas, and acrostics, Helen Frost interweaves the stories of the kids in Room 214 and their teacher. A final section giving detailed analyses of the twenty-two forms will be of special interest.

Review Quotes

"* Appropriate, original imagery and understated, natural voices make these poems sensitive and insightful. . . . The notes on how the form in each poem works are of particular value to teachers eager to guide students in their own poetry writing." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"* Poignantly conveyed. . . . Readers may be surprised at the complexity of the rules governing the writing, so naturally does the author seem to capture the poetic essence of the children's voices--she makes it look like so much fun that readers may want to try some of the forms themselves." --Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Written in verse, each student speaks in a unique poetic voice whose form is explained in detail in a 'Notes on Forms' section. . . . Interwoven dramatic stories and interesting poetic patterns give this book extra appeal. A boon for poetry classes." --School Library Journal

"Frost presents realistic problems in young people's lives in a gentle, almost tender fashion. Her poems truly capture the essence and pathos of a classroom full of unique young people. Many readers will find someone that they know here." --VOYA

"Fascinating." --SIGNAL

About the Author

Helen Frost is the author of several books for young people, including Hidden, Diamond Willow, Salt, Crossing Stones, Room 214: A Year in Poems, and Keesha's House, which was a Michael L. Printz Honor Book.