Keesha's House

by Helen Frost

In Keesha's House, Frost uncovers hard, deep struggles facing teenagers today with an encouraged sense of hope and a desire for a better tomorrow.      

       It's really Joe's house.  It was left to him with the instructions that he should use it to help others.  But everyone thinks of it as Keesha's house.  She's the one who finds the kids who need help. She's the one to figure out what they need and assign rooms.  She's the one to offer advice and friendship.  Sometimes it's hard to believe that she's just a kid herself.  A kid in need of a place to live so she can finish school and make something of herself.  Other teens find themselves at Keesha's house.  Some for just a few nights.  Some for longer.  But one thing is for sure.  They are safe here.  Stephie is pregnant; Jason is the father and an all-star on the basketball court. Dontay's parents live in prison while he remains in foster care, and Carmen waits to be released from juvenile detention. Harris finds himself abandoned after telling his father he is gay. Katie leaves home to escape an abusive stepfather. And Keesha, after leaving her drug-abusing father in search of safety, has found a place of refuge the others turn to in times of need.

        These seven individuals take turns sharing their thoughts and the issues weighing on their hearts with every turn of the page. Frost uses the sestina and the sonnet forms of poetry to speak to readers through each characters' voice. The rhythmic quality and easy flow of the poetic forms allow the reader to feel the life in these characters in a powerful way.

        There is a depth of emotion in this book that is hard to resist. Each character touches you as they describe their story. You will cheer each success as they navigate their difficult lives. The sections that allow the adults to share their voices give the other side, adding another layer to the book. Despite being a quick read, the characters stay with you when you are finished.

Links:

Author's Site: http://www.helenfrost.net/

NoveList Page: http://web.ebscohost.com.oh0248.oplin.org/novelist/detail?vid=35&hid=106&sid=73b655e0-0a9e-4aeb-8e01-55d69645e355%40sessionmgr108&bdata=JnNpdGU9bm92ZWxpc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d

Other Sites: http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2008/03/book-review-keeshas-house.html