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Relatively Speaking (book)
Encyclopedia
Relatively Speaking: Poems About Family is a young adult book of poetry by Ralph Fletcher
, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop. It was first published in 1999
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, his other brothers accident, the family reunion
, his seldom seen cousin
and his uncle's funeral
.
that "the selections are striking in their simplicity, universal themes, and realistic voice. Pen-and-ink line drawings detail items ranging from a favorite quilt to a water bucket and sponge used to wash the car. Ultimately, these pieces connect throughout the book and show how individuals mesh to become a family." Rachel E. Schwedt and Janice DeLong in their book Young Adult Poetry said that "in a day when the family is struggling to find identity and purpose as a unit, Fletcher and Krudop have provided the missing piece for readers of all ages and of all families in this keepsake of a book."
Ralph Fletcher
Ralph Fletcher is a writer of children's picture books, young-adult fiction and poetry as well as an educational consultant who has also written books for both children and professional educators on the craft of writing.-Biography:...
, illustrated by Walter Lyon Krudop. It was first published in 1999
1999 in poetry
Nationality words link to articles with information on the nation's poetry or literature .-Events:* July 1 — Scotland's Parliament opened with the singing of Robert Burns' "A Man's a Man For A'That", instead of "God Save The Queen"...
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Summary
The youngest boy describes both his family and their life together through verse. Various scenes include how the family prepare corn on the cobCorn on the cob
Corn on the cob is a culinary term used for a cooked ear of freshly picked maize from a cultivar of sweet corn. The ear is picked while the endosperm is in the "milk stage" so that the kernels are still tender...
, his other brothers accident, the family reunion
Family reunion
A family reunion is an occasion when many members of an extended family get together. Sometimes reunions are held regularly, for example on the same date of every year....
, his seldom seen cousin
Cousin
In kinship terminology, a cousin is a relative with whom one shares one or more common ancestors. The term is rarely used when referring to a relative in one's immediate family where there is a more specific term . The term "blood relative" can be used synonymously and establishes the existence of...
and his uncle's funeral
Funeral
A funeral is a ceremony for celebrating, sanctifying, or remembering the life of a person who has died. Funerary customs comprise the complex of beliefs and practices used by a culture to remember the dead, from interment itself, to various monuments, prayers, and rituals undertaken in their honor...
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Reception
Kristen Oravec said in her review for School Library JournalSchool Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
that "the selections are striking in their simplicity, universal themes, and realistic voice. Pen-and-ink line drawings detail items ranging from a favorite quilt to a water bucket and sponge used to wash the car. Ultimately, these pieces connect throughout the book and show how individuals mesh to become a family." Rachel E. Schwedt and Janice DeLong in their book Young Adult Poetry said that "in a day when the family is struggling to find identity and purpose as a unit, Fletcher and Krudop have provided the missing piece for readers of all ages and of all families in this keepsake of a book."