THE BRAID

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Frost, Helen. 2006. THE BRAID. New York: Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0374309620

PLOT SUMMARY:
Two sisters, Jeannie and Sarah, are separated during the Highland Clearances when their family is forced to leave Scotland for Canada. However, before they are separated Sarah braids their hair together, and cuts it off leaving each girl with a part. Jeannie sets sail with the family while Sarah stays behind with her grandmother. The journey at sea is brutal and takes the lives of the girls’ father and two of their younger siblings. Having nothing upon arrival, Jeannie, her mother, and little baby brother struggle to find food and stay alive. Day by day, they slowly make progress. Back in Scotland, Sarah falls in love with Murdo who impregnates her. Not knowing there is a baby, Murdo leaves for Canada and finds Sarah’s family. Wanting to marry Sarah, he asks for her mother’s permission and plans to return. He is able to find work on a ship which takes him back to Scotland, and the couple is united.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Frost intricately crafts a heartfelt story. Praise poems intertwine Jeannie and Sarah’s narration poems to transition between the two voices. The effect is beautiful as the reader feels connected to the stories yet is given poetry breaks to reflect. These poems in between shed light on subjects such as money or food that are pertinent to the story. The sentences are short and read with a quick rhythm.

The book is best described as depressing yet eloquent. It is not till the end that any hope seems to arise. There is strong theme of devotion to family through separation. The verse novel sends a profound statement regarding the hardships of immigrants.

The work is very moving. With both girls telling their sides, the reader has a chance to feel their agony. In my opinion, the subject matter is only appropriate for mature readers. Children should not be exposed to such pain at early ages.

AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Starred review from School Library Journal: “While the inventive form is accomplished and impressive, it's the easy flow of the verse and its emotional impact that will carry even reluctant readers into the windswept landscape and the hardships and dreams of these two girls.”
Starred review from Booklist: “The braid is both powerful fact and stirring metaphor in the girls' story of lasting connections, oceans apart, and it extends to encompass themes of home, shelter, and heritage, as well as the yearning for family wherever one lives.”

CONNECTIONS:
*Lead a discussion regarding hardships caused by family separation. See if any of your students have immigration stories they would like to share.
*Have students write a praise poem to go along with the book
*Share nonfiction books about the Highland Clearances
Richard, Eric. THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES: PEOPLE, LANDLORDS, AND RURAL TURMOIL. ISBN 1841585424
Mackenzie, Alexander. HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND CLEARANCES. ISBN 0901824968