Recently two books have been in the reading pile – both written in free verse.

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate is a beautiful, beautiful book.  The heartfelt story of a young refugee from the Sudan in Africa, it follows Kek as he adjusts to a new life in the United States.  This is a very hopeful book that manages to bring face, voice, and a heartfelt view of the plight of those from war-torn countries.

Kek’s naive viewpoint as he adjusts allows young readers to consider just how rich is our life in America, as well as how trivial some of it can be.  The culture shock Kek experiences is poignant and insightful.  Applegate’s free verse is a very appropriate format for this poignant story and the emotions it presents.

Kelly Bingham’s S.H.A.R.K G.I.R.L is also written in free verse, but as I read it I felt a full narrative would have been more effective.  The premise of the book is instantly attractive to young adult readers; fifteen year old Jane loses her arm in a shark attack.  Adjusting to amputation, to friend’s and stranger’s reactions, and her own grief and uncertain future are great subject matter for the drama craving YA set.

The greatest strength of the book is the relationships Jane has with her brother and a young cancer patient at the hospital.  Characters in the book are well drawn and developed.  But the free verse is weak, in my estimation.

It is interesting that both books are about characters adjusting to drastically changed circumstances.  S.H.A.R.K G.I.R.L kept my interest, but the free verse didn’t work.  Home of the Brave may not have the immediate draw for YA, but it is a better read by far.