Summary: In a remote area of Alaska, twelve-year-old Willow helps her father with their sled dogs when she is not at school, wishing she were more popular, all the while unaware that the animals surrounding her carry the spirits of dead ancestors and friends who care for her. 111p., Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
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Eva Perry Mock-Newbery Club 
Well! I loved this book. It kinda caught me by surprise when I opened it, though. But it flows so well, even with the “diamond-shaped” text on each page. That is in first person. Then the third person animal ancestors give a valuable insight into the goings-on as well. Very well done! I’m waiting to see what you all think.
This is probably the best book that I have read so far. It is very interesting how the text is written in diamonds and how, on each page, a few words are in bold that show Willow’s feelings. I especiallly like the way that the animals are humans that have died and that they watch over the characters in the story.
This was a really good book. I sometimes find that books written in verse are much too choppy, but this flowed very nicely. I thought it was nice to have the animal ancestor’s points of view interspersed throughout the book. Also, I really liked the way the words in bold cut down to Willow’s raw emotions.
This was a very lovely book but I don’t exactly think it will win the Newbery award. I’ve read better books. I do like how the bold words on each page clearly show Willow’s emotions and how the story flows nicely. And how the animals are Willow’s ancestors and were reborn after death.
i loved this book so much ,i told all my friends about it. i really liked how the author made the animals talk as if they really were humans in the story. my favorite part was when willow learned that Roxy, the dog was really her sister. so i think that this definitely a winner.
Well, guess what? I loved this book too! It had a very unique style, with the format of the book accentuating some of the themes, and bold text revealing the characters’ deeper feelings. Willow’s feelings rang especially true. I also liked the way all of the animals (and ancestors) were involved in the book. Plus, it was a good, interesting story!
This book was really good. I loved the bold sentences on each page, and i thought it was really cool that the ancestors of the girls on the ride. However, this book does not strike me as a winner. I just don’t really think it stood out as an amazing book.
During the first Top 3 Vote so far this year, the following comments were made about this book:
“I was truly amazed at the depth of feelings of the characters in this book… the true story of the dog was surprising. I almost cried when I read this book.”
“I like that you can get so much of the character’s feelings in the slight verse…”
“This story continues to make me think more about it…”
“I really like the writing style – sparse, but still descriptive and not choppy. I love how the words in bold cut down to Willow’s rawest emotions…”
“I just loved the story and how so many things linked together in surprising ways.”
Hello everyone,
I just noticed that you welcome comments from authors. I’m delighted to see that you are reading my book so thoughtfully and appreciatively. Thank you!
Did you notice that if you look carefully you can see the spruce hen on the cover?
Look for her beak just above the O in Willow.
Helen Frost
This book was so good. I loved the diamond format with the messages within and i can’t wait to read another similar one to it!!