Emma Dilemma: Big Sister Poems

George, Kristine O’Connell. EMMA DILEMMA: BIG SISTER POEMS. Ill. by Nancy Carpenter. New York: Clarion. ISBN 978-0618428427 [Suggested Grade Levels K-5]

REVIEW

Kristine O’Connell George gives us a tender story-in-poetry told through 34 beautiful poems about the tangled, but loving relationship between two young sisters. Jess, being the older sister is often frustrated by her younger sister Emma, but is faced with a “dilemma” as she wants to be the best big sister she can be. But when Emma breaks her arm in her attempt to follow her big sister up a tree, Jessica is torn with guilt. As each poem story unfolds, one glimpses the emotional bond of the sisters, as well as the warmth and closeness of the family unit. The poet draws upon her own experiences as a big sister to give an authentic voice to her characters.

Nancy Carpenter’s watercolor illustrations capture just the right amount of action and emotion in each scene. Together, the poems and art work together to tell a story, a mini “novel in verse” for the younger set. The free verse poems also stand alone and lend themselves to performance or discussion.

CONNECTIONS

This book would be ideal for launching discussions about the ups and downs of sibling relationships: “What does your sibling do that really bothers you?” Share the poem, “Trespass” from the book and discuss the difficulties. Then turn the tables and share fun experiences involving siblings: “What does your sibling do that really makes you happy?” Then share the final poem in the book.

RELATED BOOKS

Other poetry books by Kristine O’Connell George:

THE GREAT FROG RACE AND OTHER POEMS. ISBN 978-0618604784

OLD ELM SPEAKS: TREE POEMS. ISBN 978-0618752423

LITTLE DOG POEMS. ISBN 0395822661

TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS: CAMPING POEMS. ISBN 978-0618045976

LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN. ISBN 978-0618117581

HUMMINGBIRD NEST: A JOURNAL OF POEMS. ISBN 0152023259

By Sylvia M. Vardell