LS 5663.20 Review: Seeing Emily by Joyce Lee Wong

Seeing Emily

by Joyce Lee Wong

Bibliography: 

Wong, Joyce Lee. Seeing Emily. New York: Amulet Books, 2005. Print. 

Poetic Elements: This book is quite a bit different from the other two that I read and reviewed this module as it is a book in verse instead of being an anthology or collection of poems put together. As this is a book in verse, with a complete story, I feel as if the poetic elements are a little more limited than they are within an anthology when the poems are of different styles. This book does not offer very much rhyme, though the verse format allows the story to still read quickly. Despite not having much rhyme or differentiation in the stanzas and format, there is an abundance of figurative language and imagery throughout the book. Wong is very descriptive in her writing, which makes the verse format even more enjoyable.

Appeal: As far as appeal goes, I do believe it might be more unlikely for students to pull this book off of the shelf if they are choosing between different poetry books. Despite that, it would be a wonderful choice if students are looking for a book in verse. The cover could make a huge difference as well. The cover above is very appealing, but it is not the cover that the middle school I work at has in their library. Instead, the one I read is not quite as eye-catching, which could cause problems. Again, the amount of text and lack of spacing could be intimidating for students, which may not appeal to young or struggling readers as well.

Overall Quality: Overall, the story in this verse novel is wonderful. It is easy to relate to the character, and allows students to read a diverse story that they might not see in other available books. The story is well written, and the style is quite good. While the layout is not the most appealing, I do believe that the story will make up for this lack of spacing and differentiation of format throughout the novel.

The Poets: As this is a novel written in verse, Wong is the only poet of this book as she tells the complete narrative. While I have not read anything by Wong previously, just looking her up on Goodreads shows that she is not new to the poetry world, and that she has other interesting titles. I love that Wong brings her personal insight into her story, making it a diverse story that students will be able to relate to. It is wonderful to read stories from diverse authors and poets.

Layout: After reading this book after my other two choices this module, I was a bit disappointed by the format of this books. I do realize that it is a different type of poetry book; this one is specifically a story written in verse. Still, the fact that the stanzas all run together and have very little space throughout the book makes it a bit intimidating, and I fear it would be even more so for struggling readers. The "Chapter" headings do not stand out very well, either, making it a bit confusing as you are just flipping through the book. There is very little variation throughout the book, and no illustrations, which is a bit disappointing.

Spotlight Poem: 

THE KISS

It was after eight thirty

and the restaurant was still half full.

Mama refilled a family's water glasses

while I cleared dirty dishes from another table, 

stacking them in a deep plastic bin. 

I looked over toward the corner booth

and saw the dark-haired boy

pull a few bills from his wallet

and place them on the table.

As he and the girl stood up to leave, 

he gave her a smile. He placed

his hand on her shoulder, 

walking slightly behind her

as they headed for the door. 

The bells atop the door clanged

when the boy held it open,

and the girl glanced up, startled.

She made a face,

laughing at herself,

then looked up and smiled

at the dark-haired boy.

With one hand still on the door,

he moved his other hand

down to her back,

pulled her slightly closer

and leaned down

to give her

as kiss.

A plate slipped

from my fingers,

clattering loudly against

the other dishes in the bin.

Startled, I looked up

to see Mama's expression of surprise.

I straightened the plate

then said, "It didn't break."

Mama studied me for a moment

without speaking.

She looked as if she had more to say,

but she only said,

"Be more careful next time."

This would be a wonderful poem to use when students are writing about their own experiences as it is something that is incredibly relate able for students who are in their teenage years. They could note the tone and emotions used throughout the poem, and then mimic those things in their own poem or writing.