The Color of My Words

Beautiful and complex -- great language, simply told with a lot of nuances. I know, complex or simple? both, maybe. Sophisticated, but loving story about a born writer in the Dominican Republic.

Ana Rosa wants nothing more than to be a writer and is very skilled. Unfortunately her family cannot afford paper for her to write on so she has to use whatever she finds. She is also living in the Dominican Republic where only the president is allowed to author books so she must be careful of what she writes. As the story progresses, Ana Rosa's entire community finds strength in her words. A very moving piece of literature, I would definately recommend The Color of My Words.

Reading this book I was able to picture the characters, the Gri Gri Tree, and Ana's community through the highly descriptive language Joseph uses. As Ana struggled with her need to write I connected with her and felt for her. When I was younger I loved to write and show more wanted to become a writer much like Ana. The difference is that I always had paper and took that for granted. It is hard to imagine a place where a notebook costs the same as two meals for an entire family.

It is very important for students to read about multiple cultures within my classroom as well as books by authors of multiple backgrounds. This will help students realize that people of all backgrounds can be writers not just old white males (which is all I seemed to read as a child). This book will definately be a part of my classroom library. show less

I enjoyed The Color of My Words by Lynn Joseph. I got to learn about the culture in the Dominican Republic (not current). The book was filled with figurative language. I liked this about the book because it almost made it more personal. It felt personal because the words used reminded me of situations I have been in. This book deserves the full five stars for it's illustrating words, and a heartbreaking ending. I would recommend this book to mainly students in middle school.

I thought this was a great story with an even better narrator. Ana Rosa, the main character is an aspiring writer about to turn thirteen. Although sometimes life can be hard or bleak for Ana Rosa she overcomes her troubles by writing. It is truly her outlet, even though she is not legally allowed to write a book. Her love for her environment and family inspire her writing and help her stay positive. The book is beautifully and uniquely written and I love "Ana Rosa's" poems that prelude each chapter.

I loved the use of Ana Rosa's poetry to introduce each chapter. This book, at first, appears to be a very young book in maturity but as you continue reading, the book and content matures just as the main character does. The imagery is wonderful and really allows the reader to imagine the situation with pristine clarity.

This is an absolutely amazing book . I picked it up at an estate sale meaning it as gift for my Dominican co-workers daughter. I am so glad I took the time to read it.

This is the story of a poor young girl who wants to write in a culture where words can be dangerous. It is the story about finding your voice, and the power of words -- and the strength of a family's love.

Summary: Anna Rosa, a 12-year-old girl who lives in a village in the Dominican Republic, wants more than anything to be a writer, however the president alone is allowed to write books, as writers and free speech are dangerous and can overthrow the government. The president announces that he is going to buy out all of the land and turn it into hotels, and Rosa's brother becomes involved, speaking out against the government, and is murdered because of it. Rosa decides that she is going to have to break the silence, and to be the one who says something. For her brother, and for her family, she decides to write her brother's story for the world to know.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Critique: This book is an excellent example of realistic fiction show more because the author portrays a completely fictional story, but with realistic characters (based off of people she knows or has met) and in a realistic setting (the Dominican Republic) with realistic issues

Media: None

Setting: The place is in the Dominican Republic, in a town called Sosua. This place, as well as the time it took place, both contribute greatly to the plot, as this was when they were under a totalitarian leader who would not allow the voices of the people to be heard or tolerated, which is what Rosa and her family fought against, using Rosa's talent for writing along with leading to her brother's death. show less