Catching A Story Fish

Reviewed by: Paula Johnson - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

The story of a talkative young girl full of stories who has to leave her former life behind in Alabama and move to a different part of the country with her parents. In her new home she loses her "voice" due to the difficulty of fitting in a new community, making new friends, and dealing with classmates making fun of her southern accent. It is also the story of family, especially the relationship between the main character, Keet, and her grandfather. The story is told in varied forms of verse which may make it more accessible to reluctant readers. The poetic language is rich and helps to develop both the characters as well as complement the problems and solutions that Keet faces. This book would make an excellent read aloud in the upper elementary classes or an excellent introduction to poetic form for many age groups. An inspirational text for inspiring writers. The author includes a poetic glossary in the final pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent