Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

by Vera B. Williams

Essie is smart. She can read hard library books and make cocoa. Amber is brave. She isn't afraid of the rat in the wall or of climbing up in high places. Amber and Essie are sisters and best friends. Together, they can do anything.

Ages 7+

Genres: Poetry, Family, Realistic Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Chapter Books, Friendship

72 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Graduate of Black Mountain College, North Carolina, where she majored in graphic art. In her own words, she has "done graphic art, school teaching, children-raising [she has two daughters and a son], has run a bakery and been a cook in schools and restaurants." (from back flap of book)

Vera B. Williams is the winner of the 2009 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature.

You can read much more about this author here or here

Reviews

[529_Gary]

This book of poetry is about how two sisters deal with the loss of having their father go to jail. The father goes to jail because he forged a check from his former employer. Amber and Essie find comfort in each other and they take care of each other. The poem "Best Sandwich" tells about how the sister cuddle up and comfort each other until their mother came home from work. While their mother is at work, she has different people take care of the girls on different days. The people that take care of the girls, give them some comfort and a sense of security. Even though the girls are worried about their father and mother, they still do things that children do. For instance, they jump so hard on their bed that they break it. Even though the mother is working a lot she still finds one night a week to dedicate to her daughters and they all fix their nails on Sunday nights. These poems give the reader a sense of the emotions that children go through when they are separated from one of their parents.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of two very close sisters written in poems and pictures by Vera B. Williams. The poetry is written in free verse and beautifully chronicles the girls’ relationship as they go through good times and bad. The poem called “Best Sandwich” describes how Amber and Essie cuddle together with Amber’s bear Wilson in the middle in a way that touches ones heart in the deepest way. Through these poems and pictures the reader gets a sense of what an honest and loving relationship between sisters should look like.
Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart is recommended for grades 1-4. I think this would make a great read-aloud with a follow-up of analyzing the components of the girls’ relationship. Furthermore teachers could point out the simple joys that the girls experienced without computers, television or junk food. They valued things like sharing apples and finding the star inside, or noticing peaches in the grocery bags on the way home from the market. This is a lovely book and would be an asset to any classroom or home library.

[Grace Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of poems told by two sisters who have lost their father to incarceration. I love how it represents their strengths and struggles. I couldn't imagine growing up with parent in the prison system so these poems really are so powerful.

[Natasha M. Nurse, Esq. · Rating 1 out of 5]

A different kind of kid poetry book...

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie and her little sister Amber live in a small apartment with their mom, who works all of the time. Their father is in prison for forging a check. If their not being watched by their neighbor or cousin, they are taking care of themselves. Essie is smart because she loves to read, knows how to double tie her sister's shoes and can make the small amount of food they have into a meal. Amber is brave because she is not afraid of rats, climbing up high and asking the grocery man for milk even though their mother can't pay him until payday. Amber and Essie do the best they can to console and comfort each other through hardships and unanswered questions.
This story, told in poems and pictures, really moved me. I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of the fluidity of the story, but each poem read like a one-page chapter in a book. The occasional colored pencil drawings added a lot of emotion to the story, too. This would be a wonderful story to share with students. Amber and Essie are such strong protagonists, and some students may relate to living with one parent, depending on a sibling or even having a loved one in jail. Also, this story shows students that poems can be very powerful and do not have to rhyme. Amber was Brave, Essie was Smart could be read out loud one poem at a time or in bigger chunks like a chapter book. Grades 3-7

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I though it was very interesting on how the author put this story together by telling it through poems and pictures they were kind of touching. The illustrator of the book created the pictures by using black pencils sketches throughout the book and at the back it shows some colorful pictures that the illustrator did of Amber,Essie and her mom which are very detailed. It talked about how the family was poor and the mother had to work two jobs to make ends meet and dad had lost his job and started writing bad checks and so he went to jail for check forgery. Through all of the hard times Amber and Essie still finds comfort among each other and began taking care of each other.
I believe older children maybe sixth on up can relate to this especially because these are thing that are happening in today environments. As I continue reading through the life of Amber and Essie and their family through these poems it gets you feeling sad then happy at times.
One of the poems in the book called "Best Sandwiches" tells about how the sisters would cuddle up and comfort each other until their mother would come home for work.

[Lauma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A verse novel, told in poems and drawings, tenderly tells a story about two young sisters in a struggling family. Money is scarce, their father is in jail for forgery, the mother works long hours, and the girls are often left to take care of each other. They have an especially close relationship as each helps the other get through these trying times, "When they did 'Best Sandwich' it turned the room friendly from strange..." The author's touching versus gently guide this story to a happy conclusion.

Seen through the eyes of these young girls, the author shares their ordinary playfulness along with their touching sorrow. It is a heartfelt story with simple text and pictures but with substance for older readers. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

[L- Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Jane Addams award winner describes the strength and love of two sisters, faced with difficulties as their mother works long hours and their father is in jail. The third person verse describes the girl’s personalities and relationship with each other and the neighbors. The narrator creates a view of the strong bond of love between these sisters during heart wrenching and funny moments. Their special bond carries them through this sad situation, allowing them to remain hopeful. The colored pencil illustrations are rough drawings, complimenting the story events and emotions. This poetry story book would be appropriate for grades four to six as a read aloud or poetry study.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to give this one ten stars. The description may not sound promising -- the story of two little girls whose father is in prison, told in poems and illustration -- but this was just lovely. Both of my kids (seven and three) loved it, although I thought it might be too boring for the three year old and too young for the seven year old. The subject matter is challenging but delivered in an entirely age-appropriate way, and the relationship between the sisters is funny and sweet and true.

Vera B. Williams is probably our favorite author/illustrator, and I think this one is her best.

[Alyssa Paulson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was filled with free-verse poems about two sisters, Essie and Amber. There were great illustrations throughout that were created with colored pencils. This would be a great book to read a few of the poems at a time, as you could go back to it any time. There were some poems that talked about what the sisters would do together to keep company when their parents were away. Also, throughout the book, there were poems about how Essie was brave (in many ways), as well as how Amber was smart and could help her sister out. Overall, it was a good read.

[Ms. Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4th Grader Review
"I rated this book 5 stars because: the pictures are aizing she relly put dillese. My favorite part is went Amber and Essie are an aldum." RC

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real good sister book.

[Chambreeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this poem book because it’s represents children who have incarcerated parents. Incarceration is a very uncommon topic for children’s book I'm assuming because it can be a touchy subject. The boo is about two sisters who live with their hardworking mother because their father is in jail. The girls also represent a family from a lower socioeconomic class which can be relatable for a lot of families who struggle. The key point for me in this story is their dad coming home which creates hope and happiness for young readers. The illustrations capture the descriptions of the story perfectly and helps relate the text to the images. The beginning pages of the book are a little darker and as things begin to look up for the family, the colors get brighter. I also loved that the two sister didn’t resemble each other in their physical appearance. There are a lot of families that don’t look similar but it’s important for children to know that doesn’t matter. I love this book because it gives several different topics for children to relate to and learn from. The students can take away the importance of family and getting through tough times.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart by Vera B. Williams
This heartwarming book is a narrative poem with each poem creating a story of sisters Amber and Essie. The story begins by introducing Amber and Essie. Essie is tall and smart, while Amber is small but brave. The story takes place in their home, which is an apartment building. They spend every Sunday with their mother and the other days with their downstairs neighbor Helen or their Mimi. Their father was sent to jail for fraud and Amber always asks the question “where is daddy?” and cries. The sisters enjoy their time together, with Essie always being the responsible one. They meet their upstairs neighbor, Nata-Lee, and become friends with her. Although this story has sad times, it mostly filled with seeing the love between the two sisters and it ends with their father coming home. Williams’ child-like poems and illustrations allow the readers to feel the different emotions felt by the sisters. The illustrations allow readers to visualize and put yourself into the story. I enjoyed that this poem was enjoyable and had a powerful storyline without it rhyming. I would recommend this book for children in 3rd grade or above.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary
Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart is a poetry book that depicts the dynamic of two young sisters: big sister Essie and little sister Amber. Each poem switches narrators, from Essie to Amber to third person. It tells stories as simple as them jumping on their bed until it breaks, to more heartbreaking topics such as listening to their mother cry at night and recalling their father’s arrest. The poems are paired with both black and white sketches that narrate and describe the girls’ actions, as well as vibrant, multi-colored pencil drawings.

Response
This book at once plays to the innocence of a child and the somber knowledge of older demographics. For example, my personal experience with this book evolved as I reread it throughout the years. As a young child, I aligned myself with Essie, a big “smart” sister like myself, and saw my little sister reflected in Amber’s bravery. I was drawn to the colorful illustrations and understood the silly games the girls made up. As I got older, I was able to comprehend the somber undertones of the narrative and was able to appreciate the relationship between Essie and Amber in a new dimension. This book evolves with its reader.

[Karen Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about two sisters who look after each other in troubles times would be a wonderful book to teach empathy and the theme of supporting one another. Written in verse, this story tells of the struggle the sisters, along with their mother, are having because their father is in jail. During this time, they help each other because of "courage and intelligence." On the day their mother finally takes them grocery shopping, they ban together for what comes next. Students will enjoy the wonderful illustrations throughout the book as they tell part of the story as well. Recommended for middle elementary, although it could be used to introduce theme in the older grades.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special storybook in poetry form about two young sisters. We learn the poignant details of their everyday life, and how they cope with troubles at home. It's all told from a child's point of view. The girls' father is in jail and their mother is exhausted with work and trying to keep the family going. Simple pleasures take on great significance as they do in a child's mind--telling secrets, jumping on a bed, a new neighbor, a silly fight, playing beauty salon... There's also great yearning--to see their father, to help their very tired mother. It's just a lovely picture book for upper elementary readers.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect book for the child who needs it. And perfect for building empathy from kids and adults who may have no idea what it's like to live without, to lose a parent to the criminal justice system, to have rely on yourself to fix a broken bed, or put yourself to sleep. Relayed in a fashion similar to Jaqueline Woodson's Brown Girl Dreaming. The use of poetry to express the girls' experiences tells the story in a way that direct way only poetry can.

[LindaJ^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of two sisters and how they support and comfort each other in troubled times. It is written in verse. The illustrations are good. The book is recommended for ages 7 and up but I think that it is a good book for sisters on either side of 7. I plan to give it to two sisters aged 6 and 9.

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

incarcerated parent, sister's love, poetry - This is a moving story about 2 sisters who look out for each other and their mom who keeps them together, while their father is in jail. They struggle with food insecurity. Sitting back at my desk, I worked to keep from getting too emotional as I read this short but powerful book. It is an age appropriate window and mirror book.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to make of this rather sad story of 2 elementary aged girls whose father is in prison and whose mother works a lot.
They have some family members and a neighbor who help take care of them some, but many times they're by themselves and they don't always have enough food.

It shows some of the joys of childhood (bouncing on the bed and teddy bears).

[Jasmine H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was wonderful it was very interesting. This book is great for any age that likes poetry books. If you like the book i hate that cat. This book talks about a girl named Essie and a girl named Amber they were sisters and they lived on there own and it talked about their life.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An endearing short story in poetic form about two young sisters who must often fend for themselves under difficult circumstances at home (an absent father, a mother who works long hours, and an empty pantry). Good for analyzing setting, character, and problem/conflict.

[Micah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cry every time I read this book. Sisterly love at its most pure.

[Bethany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Free verse poems that tell the story of two sisters whose father is in prison for check forgery.

[William Brown]

Cute, heartbreaking and
The most cutest ending. I loved the “best sandwich” and the heartwarming story’s and heartbreaking poems.

[Pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two young sisters who complement each other in a childhood that is sweet and also difficult. Their father is in jail and their mother works hard to make ends meet. Tugs at your heart.

[Courtney Dyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Vera B. Williams takes readers through the ups and downs of life for two sisters in Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart. Written as a verse novel, the series of poem vignettes capture their relationship and everyday lives in an absolutely heartwarming story.

Amber was brave… she wasn’t afraid of the rat in the wall or of climbing up in high places. Essie was smart… she could read hard library books, thread a needle, and cook toasted cheese sandwiches. Times are tough… Momma works all of the time and Daddy is in jail. Amber and Essie stick together… they are the best of friends and even in the toughest of times, they will make it through.

For the illustrations, Williams uses black pencil for the black-and-white drawings and colored pencil for the full-color art. The story starts by introducing Amber and Essie with 2 full-color portraits and ends with an album that brings to life some of the struggles and laughs the girls have had together.



I heard about this book a few years ago at a teacher workshop on Interactive Read Alouds. I didn’t have the time to read it then, but when I came across it on a list of children’s poetry books, I had to check it out. Knowing that poetry wasn’t my favorite genre, I was hesitant although I had heard great things about this book. After reading it, I have come to the conclusion that I actually enjoy poetry written in verse novel form. I really liked this story. As the story of Amber and Essie slowly unfolds through a series of poems, you can’t help but to feel for them. The theme is a difficult one, but when told through the perspective of Essie and Amber, the reader is able to stomach their struggles and leaves with a sense of hope. My only concern with this novel is that it may only appeal to girls. Other than that, I think it is a quick read that may open new doors for its readers, young and old alike. As a teacher, I think this book would make for a great mentor text to a poetry unit of study for upper elementary students to share with them a short story with verse novel form.

[Taylor Winnix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber was Brave, Essie was smart compared completely two different characters while analyzing the effect of their friendship as a whole. How can this not be confusing? The author did a wonderful job with separating each character. In saying this, the Vera Williams was able to create two different characters within one story. Amber and Essie are sisters going through difficult times. Amber even talks about cutting her hair to send to her father in one of the poems. Overall, this book describes many events that the two sisters go through together.

Amber was Brave. Essie was Smart could be used to help students with perspectives and comparisons because of the different characters portrayed throughout this poetry book. Amber and Essie are two different people, however they share a strong friendship. This could teach students that two people can enjoy different things and still be friends. It also shows the power of friendships. Amber and Essie can do anything together because they support each other. Students could follow that and create their own poem describing a similar friendship that know or have experienced. They could even create their own story describing a similar friendship. Going back to the idea of perspectives and comparisons, students could write their own poem as if they were one of the characters. This will help students understand what a point of view is and how to recognize it while reading. Students could also write a poem describing the similarities and differences of the two characters. This is just a few ways this book could be used in a classroom. Overall, I loved reading this book for multiple reasons! I loved how the author used two different characters to tell a story. I also loved how the author used sequencing with poetry. While reading through each poem, I was able to connect the previous poem to build understanding. Lastly, I loved the message told by Vera Williams which focused around hope. Everyone will enjoy reading this book and gaining some hope by the end.

[Jessica Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sentimental story of Amber and Essie chronicles the ups and downs of their relationship as sisters and best friends through poems. As the book goes on, we learn about the struggles the sisters face, such as their father being in prison and their mother constantly working late hours for them to scrape by. The girls have arguments just like any siblings would, but they always find their way back to each other throughout small poems with their own titles. For example, the sisters reconciled after Essie told Amber their father deserved to be in prison for being bad in the poem, "Essie the Good Sister." The poem states, "Then Amber said Essie could be her sister again / and she made Wilson nod Yes / Of course Yes because he knew / it would always be Amber and Essie / Essie and Amber." The story ends up having a happy ending with the girls' father, which tugs at the heart strings of any reader. The illustrations throughout the main section of the book are plain black-and-white pencil sketches that allow the reader to focus on the emotional poetry telling the story. However, there are sections of extremely colorful drawings before and after the book that add a light mood to the illustrations. The free verse poetry of the story would be a great way to teach students that poetry doesn't always have to have a certain rhyme or rhythm to be powerful. I would recommend this book for children ages 7-10 so they can see how children their own age can overcome adversity in issues at home.