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Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Way a Door Closes, written by Hope Anita Smith with illustrations by Shane W Evans. Henry Holt, H B Fenn & Co Ltd., 2003. $22.95 ages 10 and up


"My family is up,
just like the sun,
and we are all
golden."

I read the sequel to this fine book of poetry first and I knew that I must get my hands on the first one. I’m so glad that I did. It tells the tale of a family, loved and loving who must deal with much adversity. Hope Anita Smith uses the metaphor of a door to describe what is happening. It might bang shut to suggest one thing and whisper shut to signal another emotion. The characters are so real, and C J’s voice authentic and full of feeling. He introduces us to each of his family members in a clear and confident way, while letting us know the hurt and hope that infuses their being. When the door finally opens to Daddy’s return there is a certainty in the way it closes that he is back to stay. You don't want to miss sharing this heartfelt story with someone you love.

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