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ISBN: 0805072020

ISBN13: 9780805072020

Keeping the Night Watch

Name: Compelling narrative poetry
Item: Keeping the Night Watch
Rating: 5
Author: Thriftbooks.com User

by Hope Anita Smith

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Book Overview

So many unanswered questions weigh down thirteen-year-old C.J. as he struggles to understand why his father walked out. His father is back now, though C.J. is not as quick to forgive as the other members of his family. He still feels the weight of responsibility that fell on his shoulders when Daddy was gone, and he's not prepared to give that up. But C.J.'s anger is making him a stranger in his own home, and instead of life seeming better now that Daddy has returned, it feels worse. Through powerful poems, Hope Anita Smith chronicles the nuanced emotions of a family that is slowly learning to heal and put the pieces back together. Keeping the Night Watch is a 2009 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book and a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Format:Hardcover

Language:English

ISBN:0805072020

ISBN13:9780805072020

Release Date:March 2008

Publisher:Henry Holt & Company

Length:73 Pages

Weight:1.00 lbs.

Dimensions:0.6" x 6.8" x 10.3"

Age Range:10 to 13 years

Grade Range:Grades 5 to 8

Related Subjects

African-American Children's Children's Books Emotions & Feelings Family Life Friendship, Social Skills & School Life Literature & Fiction Multicultural Stories Parents Poetry

Customer Reviews

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Compelling narrative poetry

Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago

Exquisitely crafted narrative poetry, this sequel to "The Way a Door Closes" details what happens in C.J.'s life after his father returns to the family from a prolonged absence. C.J. describes his prodigal father this way: "He is a table with a wobbly leg. It looks reliable but I wouldn't trust it with the good china." Watercolors with stark contrast provide candid portraits of the family. This book, even more than its' predecessor, really touches on issues in black families in America. A wonderful, thought-provoking book.