BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Frost, Helen. 2003. KEESHA’S HOUSE. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 9780374340643
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
In a series of emotionally charged poems, Frost unfolds the tale of seven desperate teenagers with no place to turn. From Katie’s abusive stepfather to Harris’s homelessness at the hands of his intolerant father, difficult challenges face these seven teenagers and leave them in need of a place to stay and a space to heal. So, they turn to “Keesha’s House,” which is actually Joe’s house. As a teenager, Joe faced his own difficult trials and was fortunate to have a caring aunt who welcomed him into her home for as long as he needed. Now an adult, Joe has inherited his aunt's house and is returning the favor for other teenagers facing difficult times. Keesha has found the comfort of Joe’s house, and she lets others know about the refuge she has discovered while being careful not to draw too much attention from outside authorities. The seven teenagers find their individual stories and lives interwoven with each other, giving the book coherence. The characters are all raw and real, giving teen readers an extensive cast of authentic characters to relate to. From teenage pregnancy to DUI arrests, these teenagers' stories are dramatic, and many teens will find themselves either relating to the themes presented here or simply fascinated by them. Frost cleverly uses a series of poems to tell these teens’ stories, allowing each character to reveal his or her own engaging story in his or her own words. The spectacular poems also reveal a deep emotional layer that will undoubtedly resonate with readers. The poetic forms add an additional component to the story and increase the story’s readability. Recommended for all libraries serving young adults, KEESHA’S HOUSE is an outstanding poetic novel that utilizes strong characters and an unusual format to explore a variety of complex themes that will intrigue teens.
CONNECTIONS:
Create a short book trailer to show to students asking them where they would turn if they found themselves in the dire situations of the seven teenagers in KEESHA’S HOUSE (pregnant, abused, arrested for DUI, homeless, etc.). For seven teens, the answer is at Keesha’s House. Use this book trailer to promote the story and motivate interest.
Read Frost’s endnotes on the poetic forms used throughout the story. Ask students why they think Frost chose to use poetry to tell this story. What does poetry add to the story? Invite students to write their own sestinas and sonnets.
Encourage students to draw Keesha’s house, showcasing the qualities that make it such a welcoming and safe environment.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From KIRKUS REVIEW (March 2003):
“Sestinas and sonnets carry the storyline in Frost’s multi-voiced story of teens struggling to find their way in the world. With a number of threads to follow, no one character is at the center, but there is great satisfaction in seeing the narratives gradually mesh as the isolation recedes and support is given. Impressive.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (March 2003):
“Frost has taken the poem-story to a new level with well-crafted sestinas and sonnets, leading readers into the souls and psyches of her teen protagonists.”
Michael Printz Honor Book 2004
TAYSHAS, 2005
Wilson’s Junior High School
Wilson’s Senior High School
Frost, Helen. 2003. KEESHA’S HOUSE. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. ISBN 9780374340643
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
In a series of emotionally charged poems, Frost unfolds the tale of seven desperate teenagers with no place to turn. From Katie’s abusive stepfather to Harris’s homelessness at the hands of his intolerant father, difficult challenges face these seven teenagers and leave them in need of a place to stay and a space to heal. So, they turn to “Keesha’s House,” which is actually Joe’s house. As a teenager, Joe faced his own difficult trials and was fortunate to have a caring aunt who welcomed him into her home for as long as he needed. Now an adult, Joe has inherited his aunt's house and is returning the favor for other teenagers facing difficult times. Keesha has found the comfort of Joe’s house, and she lets others know about the refuge she has discovered while being careful not to draw too much attention from outside authorities. The seven teenagers find their individual stories and lives interwoven with each other, giving the book coherence. The characters are all raw and real, giving teen readers an extensive cast of authentic characters to relate to. From teenage pregnancy to DUI arrests, these teenagers' stories are dramatic, and many teens will find themselves either relating to the themes presented here or simply fascinated by them. Frost cleverly uses a series of poems to tell these teens’ stories, allowing each character to reveal his or her own engaging story in his or her own words. The spectacular poems also reveal a deep emotional layer that will undoubtedly resonate with readers. The poetic forms add an additional component to the story and increase the story’s readability. Recommended for all libraries serving young adults, KEESHA’S HOUSE is an outstanding poetic novel that utilizes strong characters and an unusual format to explore a variety of complex themes that will intrigue teens.
CONNECTIONS:
Create a short book trailer to show to students asking them where they would turn if they found themselves in the dire situations of the seven teenagers in KEESHA’S HOUSE (pregnant, abused, arrested for DUI, homeless, etc.). For seven teens, the answer is at Keesha’s House. Use this book trailer to promote the story and motivate interest.
Read Frost’s endnotes on the poetic forms used throughout the story. Ask students why they think Frost chose to use poetry to tell this story. What does poetry add to the story? Invite students to write their own sestinas and sonnets.
Encourage students to draw Keesha’s house, showcasing the qualities that make it such a welcoming and safe environment.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From KIRKUS REVIEW (March 2003):
“Sestinas and sonnets carry the storyline in Frost’s multi-voiced story of teens struggling to find their way in the world. With a number of threads to follow, no one character is at the center, but there is great satisfaction in seeing the narratives gradually mesh as the isolation recedes and support is given. Impressive.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (March 2003):
“Frost has taken the poem-story to a new level with well-crafted sestinas and sonnets, leading readers into the souls and psyches of her teen protagonists.”
Michael Printz Honor Book 2004
TAYSHAS, 2005
Wilson’s Junior High School
Wilson’s Senior High School
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