This book is a series of poems written by Cosmo, a young boy, after he climbs a tree, falls and breaks his back.
It’s a journey though his ‘afterlife’ if you will – the shock and grief at the loss of what makes up childhood for him, and the deeper loss of who he felt himself to be, now part of his identity is a wheelchair. It’s hard to lose yourself in life when every aspect of your life comes back to – is it possible in a wheelchair?
But this is in no way a sad book of poems – although it’s an exploration in Cosmo’s beautifully written voice of coming to terms, which doesn’t shy away from addressing frustration, jealousy, or anger – it is full of humour, verisimilitude, and hope.
Cosmo finds ways other ways to climb – and steps metaphorically into his new way of life where he discovers exciting abilities, alternative ambitions, and new dreams, finally coming to the realisation that although he is in a wheelchair – he is still Cosmo.
I really enjoyed the truth of these poems – some things struck a note with me, for instance, the reliance on other people, something I have struggled with. The occasional poems from other members of his family and even the tree he climbed, look at other aspects of the journey and feelings from other points of view.
This is absolutely a book everyone and certainly every child should read, and they will certainly enjoy it! Lots to talk about and there are many discussion springboards for use in school, and with children who have suffered a life-changing incident in their lives.
5 Stars. Great Christmas present!
Poetry Roundabout 