What better way to write about a poet than to use poems? That is exactly what Stephanie Hemphill does in her response to Sylvia Plath’s work. Using voices of Sylvia’s husband, Ted Hughes, her friend, Anne Saxton, and her teacher, Robert Lowell, Hemphill writes poems to and about Sylvia. Her welcoming images invite young readers to share her connection with the poet who captured her attention in high school.
This is a terrific book for students and teachers interested in poetry, especially personal or confessional poetry. Multiple voices encourage writers to explore how different people may see the same event. Hemphill developed the book, “by taking a line from a Plath poem and journaling in poetry – writing out my thought and feelings starting with one of her images or ideas.” (page 247) What a creative way to help young writers respond actively to poems. I recommend this book for the home and middle and high school libraries.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer City, State and Country: Timonium, MD US
