The Way a Door Closes

The Way a Door Closes tells the story of 13-year-old CJ through a series of free verse poems. The narrative follows CJ's life with his family in their home, where he lives with his mother, siblings, and grandfather. When CJ's father loses his job, the dynamics of the household begin to shift. Through CJ's perspective, the poems chronicle changes in family relationships and daily routines as the family faces new challenges. The poems track moments both large and small in CJ's coming-of-age journey during a period of family upheaval. His observations range from interactions with his siblings to quiet moments alone to conversations that echo through the house. The verse novel explores themes of family bonds, identity, and resilience in the face of hardship. Through its spare yet resonant language, the book captures how young people process and adapt to changes beyond their control.

Readers connect with the emotional depth of this verse novel about family dynamics and a father's absence. The poetic format resonates with both young readers and adults, with many noting how the sparse language amplifies the story's impact. Readers appreciated: - Accessibility of poetry for reluctant readers - Eugene Yelchin's illustrations that complement the narrative - Authentic portrayal of a 13-year-old boy's perspective - Effectiveness in classroom discussions about family issues Common criticisms: - Story feels incomplete at 56 pages - Some readers wanted more character development - Poetry format can be challenging for some students Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (328 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (21 ratings) Multiple teachers report success using the book in middle school poetry units. Several reviews mention students relating to the main character's emotions and family situation. Parents note the book opens discussions about difficult topics with their children.

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🚪 Written entirely in free verse poetry, the book tells its story through 34 linked poems that flow together like chapters. 📖 The black and white illustrations by Shane W. Evans were created using charcoal, capturing both shadows and hope - reflecting the emotional journey of the story. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Though fictional, the story draws from real experiences of many families affected by job loss and abandonment during economic downturns. 🏆 The book received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award and was named an ALA Notable Children's Book. ✍️ Author Hope Anita Smith worked as a teacher and professional storyteller before becoming a children's book author, bringing those oral tradition skills to her writing.