Audio of the Week--Keesha's House (unabr.)
RSSFrom SLJ January 2005
Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT -- School Library Journal, 01/17/2005
2 cassettes. 2:15 hrs. Recorded Books. 2004. ISBN 1-4025-9930-7. $18.75 (Rental: $8.50); read along-pack: $42.75.
Gr 9 Up-Helen Frost offers subtle, skillful poetry on serious subjects such as pregnancy, homosexuality, homelessness, family conflicts, and addiction in Keesha's House (Farrar, 2003). Centered around the place where these at-risk teens find refuge, each brief chapter presents the thoughts of one of seven teens, or the views of a variety of adults who are part of their lives. Frost effectively communicates the complex problems facing teens as well as the frustrations and concerns adults feel when dealing with young people. The recording draws on the talents of 16 well-chosen narrators who bring unique vitality to each of the ethnically diverse personalities in this Michael L. Printz Honor Book. The recording concludes with the author's explanation of the poetic forms she employs and a few words about her use of poetic license to change them. A perfect vehicle for teaching high school poetry, and a must buy for all libraries serving teens because it validates adolescent experiences and gives them hope that they can overcome adversity.
