MMGM (3/6/2017): Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli
For MMGM, I am recommending Where I Live by Eileen Spinelli, with illustrations by Matt Phelan.
Here's the publisher's description:
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she'll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again.
This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan’s warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli’s tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
Diana loves where she lives. She loves the astronomy charts on her walls and the fact that she can wave to her best friend, Rose, from her very own window. And best of all, a wren has recently made its home right by her front door! When her family is forced to move, Diana wonders if she'll ever find that same grounded and happy feeling again.
This gentle and ultimately redeeming story in poems is about those secure and fulfilling friendships that happen naturally and easily when you live right next door, and the struggles of losing the comfort of a familiar place. Matt Phelan’s warm and expressive illustrations perfectly complement Eileen Spinelli’s tenderhearted and unique tale that reminds us that sometimes a little uprooting and change is necessary for growth.
This book is aimed towards the younger end of middle grade, but it discusses topics, such as moving, that everyone has to deal with. As the story shows just how much Diana loves her home, it also shows well how she handles moving into the home of her aging grandfather. Diana is a unique character with a great voice, written in verse. Diana writes poetry, which seems to make up the story and allows her to work through her feelings. The story never drags on, and it uses just enough words to convey its point, making it somewhat short. The story has a happy ending, showing that moving won't always be as horrible as it first seems. This book is great for anyone, regardless of age!
This is lovely....like a long form poem! Great for teachers trying to teach poetry!
ReplyDeleteIt does sound great! It hits upon many topics middle grade kids have to deal with. Thanks for featuring.
ReplyDeleteFunny, the difference elementary and middle school students have when it comes to moving. Middle school students get really ANGRY sometimes! This seems a bit young for my crowd, but good for elementary students.
ReplyDeleteI love that she has astronomy charts on her walls--I love her already! I don't usually like novels-in-verse, but I do love quiet books like this. I've also enjoyed other books by this author. Thanks for featuring it!
ReplyDeleteI like how the story is written in poetry, and how Diana writes poetry, too! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete- Vi
I love this book! Eileen is such a natural poet and such a gem of a human being. (And if you look at the dedication page, I was one of the "folks at Chester County Book Company" she dedicated the book to, along with the owners of two other bookstores.)
ReplyDelete