Book details
Grow: A Novel in Verse
Description
This verse novel about the creation of a community garden reveals the extraordinary magic that occurs when ordinary people work together.Everything about Berneetha is big-especially her dreams. And when Berneetha decides to create a garden on a vacant lot, twelve-year-old Kate Sibley just has to help make that dream a reality. At first the neighbors think Kate and Berneetha are crazy, but slowly a community begins to grow, much like the plants do.But just as the garden and Kate are both beginning to bloom, a sign goes up: a parking garage will be built on the lot. Can Kate and Berneetha and their friends keep the garden and the dream alive?Award-winning author Juanita Havill's story of a community garden in an urban neighborhood is told through the eyes of an impressionable girl in a series of richly detailed prose poems. The result is an affecting, lasting portrait of community life and the power of shared commitment and hope.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
160 pages
Why to read
- Experience a Unique Narrative Style: 'Grow: A Novel in Verse' by Juanita Havill is written in poetic form, offering a distinctive reading experience that combines the emotional depth of poetry with the storytelling elements of a novel. This format allows readers to engage with the text in a more lyrical and introspective way.
- Explore Themes of Personal Growth: The novel delves into themes of self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in stories about overcoming challenges and finding one's place in the world.
- Connect with Relatable Characters: Havill's characters are crafted with authenticity and depth, allowing readers to see parts of themselves in the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist. This connection can provide comfort, inspiration, and a sense of companionship.
- Appreciate the Power of Language: As a novel in verse, 'Grow' showcases the beauty and power of language. Readers who have an affinity for poetry or who wish to explore the expressive potential of words will find this book to be a rich and rewarding experience.