The Braid

Frost, Helen.  2006.  The Braid.  New York: Frances Foster Books.  ISBN 0374309620

Plot:

The story chronicles the life of a family who is forced to leave their home for an unknown place.  Two sisters named Sarah and Jeannie intertwine their experience through a braid that was made before the family departure.   Sarah stays in Barra with her grandmother while the rest of the family and Jeannie sail to a new land, far from home.  Sarah and Jeannie create a bond so strong that neither time or distance can break.  They gather strength from each other even though they are separated. There are hardships and devastation  through the journey but also love and kindness are apparent. 

Critical Analysis:

The main characters of the book are Sarah and Jeannie whose description of life is told through commentaries and poetry.  The poems, themselves, have significant meaning because it makes an indirect reference to the sisters' age.  The intertwining style of writing in the book are further indications to signify the bond of the braid.  An example is the theme on the last line of a poem is the first line of the next.  The author paid close attention to making the symbolic nature of the braid to be interpreted. Sarah and Jeannie are taking turns speaking to motion a weaving effect similar to the construction of a braid. The sisters gives a firsthand account of the  emotional story of family hardships.  The sisters' individual journey takes them to places they cannot imagine.  Each one has different experiences, but in a way, the same because of their bond. 

From Library Media Connection

"The book has both prose and poetry, with a poem illustrating character feelings between each prose chapter."

 

Glantz, Shelley.  Review of The Braid by Helen Frost.  Library Media Connection 25(6):77.

From Horn Book Magazine

"Frost braids her verse novel together with such delicacy that few readers will note its formal structure: a subtle system of echoed words shapes the sisters’ alternating verse narratives, while syllables per line are matched to each narrator’s age; praise poems, alternating with the sisters’ accounts, also feature systematic repetition."

 

J. R., L. 2006. Review of  The Braid by Helen Frost.  Horn Book Magazine 82(6): 709-711.

 

 

From Publishers Weekly

 

"This brief, memorable book spans two years, several deaths, first love and the stigma attached to unwed mothers, while also conveying the resolve of one family to survive and to preserve

hope."

 

2006.  Review of The Braid by Helen Frost.  Publishers Weekly 253(41):55.

 

From School Library Journal

"While the inventive form is accomplished and impressive, it's the easy flow of the verse and its emotional impact that will carry even reluctant readers into the windswept landscape and the hardships and dreams of these two girls."

 

Maza, Jill Heritage.  Review of The Braid by Helen Frost.  School Library Journal 52(10):154.

 

Connections

Other Helen Frost books

 

Crossing Stones ISBN 0374316538

Diamond Willow ISBN 0312603835

Hidden ISBN 0374382212

 

Activities for Children:

Children can be asked to imagine sailing across the ocean.  What would they do?

 

Ask children to write about what "The Braid" means to them.

 

 

Personal Response:

I believe the book teaches children about sacrifice, strength and family bond.  It is a learning experience which shows how one family overcame their circumstances. It shows children that no matter the situation, they can be successful with hard work.  The book reminds the reader of the importance of family and cherishing those moments together.  I would highly recommend the book for family reading time.