Sketches from a Spy Tree

by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer, Andrew Glass (Illustrations)

Perched in the branches of her favorite tree with her sketchbook, Anne-Marie watches the world go by. While recording her observations of neighbors, friends, and family, she thinks about her father, who left two years before; about Mike, who seems to be trying to take his place; about her twin sister, Mary Anne, who looks like her (at least to adults) but sees things very differently. Poems in Anne-Marie’s voice, sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, and always honest, take readers through a year of change in the life of a family and in Anne-Marie’s heart. Illustrations that include paintings, drawings, and collage capture the text’s emotional range and Anne-Marie’s own artistic vision.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published June 27, 2005

Reviews

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through poetry Anne Marie shares her observations on her world, including her feelings about her neighborhood, her family (mom, twin sister, and younger sister), and her anger toward her father, who abandoned them two years earlier. Written in free verse, the poems paint a poignant portrait of Anne Marie’s struggle to let go of her painful past and embrace a hopeful future. Glass’s various forms of illustration (watercolor, pencil, photography, collage) add life and energy to the poetry. Older elementary and middle school students who have experienced divorce and /or remarriage will recognize Anne Marie’s voice; her words may inspire them to put their own on paper.

[KidsFiction Teton County Library]

J Short Chapter Zimmer

Written in free verse poetry, the reader gets to know Anne Marie's inner thoughts about her twin sister, her parents, her neighbors, by spying on them from the top of a tree in her yard. From each page you get closer and closer to her heart and you feel like you really know her inside and out. A unique side line is that both the author and illustrator are twins.

[sarafem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was written from the viewpoint of a 9 year old girl who shows us her poetry and drawings. The poems were moving, as were the illustrations. I cried at some points. I would recommend this to anyone who loves poetry or children.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, Zimmer has a winner - I swear this woman can get inside the heads of children in their tween years. Another beautifully written book about the angst children feel in a changing home environment.

[Tamsyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhere on the line between a book in verse and a collection of connected poems, I enjoyed this book about a twin whose family goes through changes she does not welcome after her father moves out. The pictures are very colorful and engaging, and there are some wonderful poems in this volume.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novel in verse about twins who must adjust to a stepdad after their dad leaves.

[Marge]

Narrator: Anne Marie (twin) paints a picture of family life after father leaves them - takes you from grief to hope from Anne Marie's point of view

[Alyssa · Rating 1 out of 5]

kinda odd not my favorite.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for talking about divorce and stepparents with teens.