From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

No group discussions for this book yet.

What Members Thought

Wendy
Nov 11, 2011 rated it it was ok
Very likely this author's books are just never going to connect with me. I didn't loathe it the way I loathed Diamond Willow, but I didn't think it was very good. It seems to me a bad sign when you have to explain the new poetic form in the back of the book in order for readers to see what it is you're trying to do--god help me, this concept worked better in Diamond Willow--but after I went back to read the secret messages, I didn't think they added to the story anyway.

I think it's great that th
...more
Becky Barrier Nelson
This book is on my Newbery short list! The premise is believeable and riviting. Wren and Darra alternate telling their stories. The beginning is a flashback where Wren sets up the crime. When she was 8 years old, her mother ran into a convenience store and left Wren in the car with the keys so that she could play the radio. She hears one gun shot and, frightened, hides under a blanket in the rear of the car. A man, reeking of cigarette smoke, jumps into the car and drives off, unaware that Wren ...more
Deanna
Oct 24, 2011 rated it really liked it
When Wren is 8 years old, she is accidentally kidnapped when she is in her mother's van when it is stolen. Terrified, she hides out for days in the garage of her abductor. During this time she witnesses the family's comings and goings. She learns that a girl just her age, Darra is the daughter of the car thief. Years later the two girls are reunited at summer camp. Complex emotions abound on both sides. This is a wonderful story, cleverly told in verse. Readers who are interested will find more ...more
Ann
This is closer to a four star. After a dramatic and traumatic opeing, Frost weaves a believable, warm and very satisfying tale of
two girls whose lives are entwined by accident and resolved by their own sensitive and empathetic efforts.
Jess
Nov 29, 2011 rated it really liked it
This is off this year’s OLA/WLA Mock Newbery, which I will (sob) not be attending due to a previous engagement. However, I’m still trying to read through the list and I’m glad because otherwise I might have missed this one. It’s gripping from page one and one of those verse novels that justifies its existence as a verse novel (ie, not just prose broken up randomly into shorter lines).
Sarah
Feb 12, 2012 rated it really liked it
Shelves: middle-grades
Two girls who never imagine crossing paths again do meet at a summer camp. Their past interaction is so disturbing - how can they turn their meeting into a healing experience? Story in verse with hidden messages
Karen
Amazing book!! My favorite read of 2011 by far. Could not put it down. Reviewing this week on blog. #bookaday
Mary Lee
Jul 03, 2011 rated it really liked it
Crossing Stones and Diamond Willow are still my favorites.
Laura5
Jun 17, 2011 rated it really liked it
Excited to share this with my 5th & 6th graders. I think they will love the intimate feel the of the story told through verse and the hidden story revealed in the end notes.
Monica Edinger
Jan 27, 2011 rated it really liked it
Jeanette
Jan 27, 2011 rated it really liked it
Rachel
Mar 01, 2011 marked it as to-read
Kathy
May 21, 2011 rated it really liked it
Kris Springer
May 25, 2011 rated it really liked it
Lola
Jun 20, 2011 rated it it was amazing
Leslie
Jun 21, 2011 rated it really liked it
Shelves: verse, youngadult
Barbara A.
Jul 10, 2011 marked it as to-read
sharon
Aug 31, 2011 rated it really liked it
Ellen
Sep 04, 2011 rated it really liked it
Denise Johnson
Sep 07, 2011 rated it really liked it
Annette
Oct 15, 2011 rated it liked it
Mary
Dec 02, 2011 rated it liked it
V C
Jan 01, 2012 rated it really liked it
Shelves: ya
Cori  Grady
Apr 14, 2012 marked it as to-read
Shawn
Jun 13, 2012 marked it as to-read
Kristin McIlhagga
Dec 12, 2012 marked it as to-read
Maggi Rohde
Feb 02, 2015 marked it as to-read
Shelves: novels-in-verse
« previous 1 3 4