I first heard about Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman from a post or comment right here on the Bookworm. Anybody want to take credit so I don't have to search the archives? Anyway, I am so glad I was able to find a copy in my local library.Seedfolks is a short work of fiction about a community garden in Cleveland. The writing is amazing in that the story is told by 13 individuals, each with their own chapter and each in the first person. Fleischman strings these 13 stories together into a whole in such a way as to explain how he once won a Newberry award. The literary technique is amazing.
More than that, though, I found the book to be both pleasant and entertaining. Fleischman explores different cultures and how different people find healing through their work in a garden. In reading the story, I only wished that it had actually happened. But maybe Fleischman's work will inspire people somewhere out there to be seedfolks themselves. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for gardeners and those who enjoy a light read.
4 comments:
this is one of my favorite books! I came across when I taught middle school -- my office was in the library and I spotted it on the shelf one day. Big thumbs up for this one!
I think that The Purloined Letter (over at my blog, Green Phone Booth) was the first place I heard about this book. I truly enjoyed it - especially how easy it was to read and how interesting and heartfelt it was.
Audrey: Thanks for your comment. How cool to have an office that doubles as the library. :) How on earth did you ever get any work done?
GB: I wonder if that's where I spotted it, too. I agree -- it's heartfelt and interesting. A nice little book to read.
This book was just listed in Newsweek's new issue on "Must Reads" as one of the must-reads for children. It was actually recommended by Jenna Bush, who is currently a sixh-grade teacher.
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