Book Review by Aarene Storms: Hold Fast

Hold Fast by Blue Balliett

Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams / For when dreams go

Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow. --Langston Hughes

Eleven year old Early Pearl dreams of a home, even after her beloved father Dash disappears under mysterious circumstances, even after their tiny apartment is trashed by ruffians, and even after she and her mother and little brother Jubilee are forced to live in a homeless shelter. Early holds fast to her love of poetry, especially the poems of Langston Hughes, and she holds fast to her hope that someday her father will return, and the family will be together--and happy--again.

Written with a strong poetic voice, Early's search for the solution to the mysteries is beautifully told, if not-entirely-credible. Information about true circumstances and situations of homeless families and the reality of life in a homeless shelter are hard-hitting, and well-researched.

The problem with this novel is audience. Who will want to read it? It will not appeal to the average 4th or 5th grade reader...but the reader it does capture will be delighted with the language and the story.

Appropriate for ages 10 to adult. Might be a good choice for reading aloud, and group discussions.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian

Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS