Items related to Keeper of the Night
Synopsis
A National Book Award-winning Author
Isabel's mother died peacefully. At least that's what Isabel likes to think, since no one will talk about the truth. Kimberly Willis Holt has written a painfully beautiful story, set on the lush island of Guam, about a young woman's struggle to protect her family after her mother's suicide. At once disturbing and honest, devastating and hopeful, Isabel's voice is aching to be heard - because some wounds can't heal until the truth has finally been spoken.
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Review
In a fascinating departure from her usual folksy Southern fiction, award-winning author Kimberly Willis Holt transports her readers to the island of present-day Guam, where thirteen-year-old Isabel’s family is broken by her mother’s suicide. Numbed by her mother‘s death, Isabel grimly plods through each day, while scribbling in her ever-present notebook. But existence on the colorful, richly cultured island hasn’t ended, and life keeps interrupting Isabel’s sorrow. Her best friend Terecita needs help in becoming the best female cock-fighter on Guam, her father’s fishing assistant, Roman, appears to be flirting with her, and Auntie Bernadette, the local healer, keeps trying to school her in the art of herbs. Meanwhile, Isabel is disturbed by the fact that her father has practically stopped speaking, and her brother Frank is beginning to cut himself when he thinks no one is looking. But Isabel sees, and her heart is hardened: "I may look like my mother, but I’m not like her...I’m not like my mother at all. I am here." Isabel’s challenge will be to learn how to heal, and with the help of her vibrant community, she will. Holt is a masterful plotter--each strand of Isabel’s story comes together beautifully. But that doesn’t mean Holt sacrifices description or character for storyline. Every nuance of the Guam landscape and culture is seen and heard, from the quirky native "eyebrow language," to the illegal thrill of cock fighting. An original and intriguing novel that will send students searching for Guam in the nearest atlas. (Ages 12 to 18) --Jennifer Hubert
From the Inside Flap
"In a series of exquisitely presented snapshots, a young teen struggles to cope with the aftermath of her mother's suicide. . . . Stunningly beautiful."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred
"Readers are drawn into Isabel's world and her determination to keep on going in the face of her overwhelming loss and responsibilities."—School Library Journal, Starred
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
A Kirkus Reviews Editor's Choice
A Parents' Choice Gold Award
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherThorndike Press
- Publication date2004
- ISBN 10 0786264314
- ISBN 13 9780786264315
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages336
- Rating
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