Crossing Stones

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, H. (2009). Crossing Stones. Frances Foster Books. ISBN 9780374316532

PLOT SUMMARY

In this poetry book, Helen Frost writes about eighteen year old Muriel Jorgensen that lives on one side

of the Crabapple Creek with her family. On the other side of that creek, lives their neighbors and

family’s closest friends, the Normans. Both families are coming to terms with the realization of a world

war happening and the enlisting of one of Norman's eighteen year old sons, Frank. But Muriel is upset

about the stereotypical woman’s place in society and finds herself supporting the women’s suffrage

movement. In these challenging times, both families look to each other now more than ever for each

other’s support.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this cleverly written book, Helen Frost writes poems based on each character’s perspectives. Both

families, Jengensens and Normans, are coming to terms with the realization of a world war happening

and the enlisting of one of Norman's eighteen year old sons, Frank. The poems are based on different

characters’ perspectives and vividly describe their side of the story. You can almost hear their voices

and feel the emotions they are describing in the poems.

I would recommend this book for middle school aged children.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

“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

CONNECTIONS

“This is wonderful historical fiction that also feels very contemporary.”

Based on a review by Kirsten G. Cutler.

I would recommend this book for middle school aged children.

AWARDS

Barb's Reads for Children Lit