Gr 7 Up–Why do we go to the park, and what happens when we are there? Decorated poet Stridsberg carefully considers these questions in spare yet biting verse, in translation from the original Swedish. The poem captures the bittersweet overlap of the freeing joy found in outdoor exploration in an urban park with the burgeoning existential anxiety that comes of growing up, and the persistent need to cope with it in a meaningful, connected way. Alemagna’s deeply luminous and at times startling illustrations complement the tone of the poetry beautifully, adding layers of abstraction and interpretation without being at all condescending to the deceptively complex subject. Occasional empty white spreads give readers much room to develop their own imaginings as well.
VERDICT A first purchase for middle school and high school collections where illustrated poetry is in demand, and a strong recommendation for thoughtful poetry lovers.
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