Carrying the Elephant : A Memoir of Love and Loss
By Michael Rosen
Published by Penguin
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Children's Book review
In the 72 prose poems that make up this unusual and moving collection, Michael Rosen tells the story of his life in beautifully written short episodes, which give the reader a vivid glimpse into the author's personal life. At the heart of the collection is the sudden and shocking death of Rosen's 18-year-old son from meningitis and Rosen's subsequent exploration of the pain and burden of grief and loss. Some poems are narrated quite directly; others simply suggested, making this a moving and unforgettable memoir for all readers.
Reading age: 11+
Interest level: 11+
