The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

Smith, Hope Anita

The Way a Door Closes

53 pp. | Holt | May, 2003 | Trade ISBN 0-8050-6477-X $$18.95

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Shane W. Evans. Thirty-four poems create a portrait of a close-knit family struggling to cope through crisis. Told in the voice of a thirteen-year-old African-American boy, C. J., the poems chronicle happy times to the abrupt departure of C. J.'s father and his return. By turns tender and angry, the emotionally powerful poems convey the teen's feelings and testify to the strength of family. Realistic paintings in warm colors are an attractive addition.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute