Diamond Willow

Twelve-year-old Willow has a hard time fitting in at school. She's happiest when she's with her dog, Roxy. She's also growing up, and the day comes when she wants to be able to drive the dog-sled on her own to her grandparents. Permission is granted, and she makes the trip but on the way home, the unexpected happens, and her beloved Roxy may never see again. This is one of the best books I've read this year because of the poignancy, but also because of structure. Author, Helen Frost, has written her narrative in diamond shapes and in the center of each diamond is the kernel of truth emerging from the dialogue or the thoughts on the page. It's an amazing technique paired with a beautiful story that shows us all our place in the natural world.