National Poetry Month: GONE FISHING review

The first verse novel I picked up this month is Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger. In this middle grade book, Sam is excited to go fishing with his Dad, just the two of them. So, when his sister ends up tagging along at the last minute, he is sure the day will be ruined.

Here is an excerpt from the back of the book:

For fishing tomorrow
it's just us two.
Not mom, not Grandpa
                           not Lucy.
It'll be like playing catch or
painting the garage.
Just Dad and me.
Fishing.

This book is an absolute joy to read. It's a simple story about family relationships and trying to catch just one keeper! What I love most about this book is the variety of poetic forms Ms. Wissinger uses to tell Sam's story. Free verse, list poems, haiku, and so many more. Rhyming and non-rhyming. It's arranged a bit like a collection of poems, and each poem could be enjoyed on its own, but together they tell a charming, satisfying story. The book is filled with fun illustrations by Matthew Cordell.

Gone Fishing is perfect for young reluctant readers, those who are interested in exploring poetry (check out THE POET'S TACKLE BOX at the end), anyone who wants a quick light read, and those, young and old, who simply enjoy this poetic form of storytelling.

A must-have for any poetry-lover's library.