Sketches from a Spy Tree

This is a poem book written by a female child. In these poems she tells us the lessons she is learning by living life. She is a twin and has a hard time when people think that she is just like her sister just because they look alike. Her parents have gotten a divorce and some of her poems are about her feelings on this issue. It was written from a child's point of view. There are several lesson plans on the internet that will enhance the reading of this book in a home or school classroom setting.

THIS BOOK IS A BEAUTIFUL STORY WRITTEN IN FREE VERSE. IT IS AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR EXPLORING THE LANGUAGE OF POETRY WITH SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN. THE TOPIC OF DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE ARE HANDLED WITH DELICATE BUT REALISTIC IMAGES. BUY THIS BOOK!!!!

Tracie Vaughn Zimmer paints a vivid picture of how divorce can look to a child sitting within its wake. Though this story comes to life in the living color of poetry, Zimmer's clean, crisp words are easily accessible. As Anne Marie opens up and takes us by the hand into her neighborhood, Zimmer makes the reader long to linger there, to laugh and cry with each character... and cheer them all on. Bravo to this new poet with an unforgettable, original voice. Kudos to Andrew Glass, whose vibrant paintings and collage are perfectly paired with every poem.

From family relationships to grouchy neighbors, Tracie Vaughn Zimmer has captured perfectly a child's observations of the world around her and displayed them in a beautiful collection of poetry. This is the perfect book to share with your children while sitting in the porch swing on a hot summer day. Sure to be a summer favorite!