Crossing Stones

by Helen Frost Narrated by Natalia Payne

Overview

Eighteen-year-old Muriel Jorgensen lives on one side of Crabapple Creek. Her family's closest friends, the Normans, live on the other. For as long as Muriel can remember, the families' lives have been intertwined, connected by the crossing stones that span the water. But now that Frank Norman-who Muriel is just beginning to think might be more than a friend-has enlisted to fight in the First World War, the future is uncertain. Muriel is opinionated about the war and women's suffrage, but she is surrounded by people who advise her to keep her opinions to herself. Now she must find a way to care for those she loves while becoming the person she is most truly meant to be. Written in beautifully structured verse by Printz Honor Book author Helen Frost, Crossing Stones captures nine months in the lives of two resilient families struggling to stay together and cross carefully, stone by stone, into a changing world. "Unique and thoughtful perspectives on war, family, love and loss. Heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, this is one to savor."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review "Poignant . will hit home with contemporary teens."-Booklist, starred review "Engaging and convincing ."-Horn Book Magazine, starred review

Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

This gorgeous collection of "cupped-hand" sonnets tells the story of two families whose lives are forever changed by World War I. Perhaps the most poignant poems, flowing like rushing water across the pages, are those from 18-year-old Muriel's point of view. Outspoken Muriel questions the war and finds herself drawn more and more to her Aunt Vera's suffragist cause. Other poems, shaped like river stones, are written from Muriel's brother Ollie's and her friend Emma's perspectives. Ollie's poems chronicle his brief experience in the war before an injury brings him home, and Emma's point up the great loss her family has felt since her brother, Frank, was killed in the war. Both Emma's and Ollie's poems also reveal the tender feelings of first love blossoming between them. With care and precision, Frost deftly turns plainspoken conversations and the internal monologues of her characters into stunning poems that combine to present three unique and thoughtful perspectives on war, family, love and loss. Heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, this is one to savor. (notes on form) (Historical fiction/poetry. 12 & up)

From the Publisher

The distinct voices of the characters lend immediacy and crispness to a story of young people forced to grow up too fast.” —Starred, Horn Book

“Frost skillfully pulls her characters back from stereotype with their poignant, private, individual voices and nuanced questions, which will hit home with contemporary teens, about how to recover from loss and build a joyful, rewarding future in an unsettled world.” —Starred, Booklist

“With care and precision, Frost deftly turns plainspoken conversations and the internal monologues of her characters into stunning poems that combine to present three unique and thoughtful perspectives on war, family, love and loss. Heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, this is one to savor.” —Starred, Kirkus Reviews

“Frost's warmly sentimental novel covers a lot of political, social, and geographical ground . . . . But this is Muriel's story, and her determined personality and independence will resonate with readers.” —School Library Journal

“A thoughtful read.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“Both a great story and a perfectly-worded poetic work of art.” —Richie's Picks

“This beautifully written, gently told story can be used for classroom discussion in social studies and English, or simply for leisure reading.” —VOYA

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169614077
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	12/23/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

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