THE ABCS OF PLUM ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS

History and nature are inspirations for this debut alphabet book about Plum Island.

A descendant of a lighthouse keeper on Plum Island, off the coast of Massachusetts, the author of this picture book for all ages shaped short poems around each letter of the alphabet, inspired by the place’s history, industry, and rich wildlife. Some pieces are described in the introduction as “found poems,” including words taken from “signs, blogs, books, maps, and videos.” The regional focus could limit the work’s appeal, but there is much to delight American history buffs as well as readers unfamiliar with the island. The homemade scrapbook design encompasses captivating images of old newspaper articles, pages from a 1911 family diary, uncredited historical and contemporary photographs, and a remarkable document signed by President George Washington in 1790 appointing the island’s first superintendent of lighthouses. This archival material illustrates each evocative prose poem by Bogard. An aerial photo introduces “Barrier Island” (“Barrier Island / Fragile and narrow / Protecting the mainland / Absorbing the force / Of the ocean and storms”). An old, sepia-toned photo of a young girl accompanies “Grace” (“Look into my eyes / I’m Grace / I took charge of / The Light / For my father / In times of need”). Among other intriguing subjects are “Clams” and “Old tales.” “Walking to school from Plum Island” features a 1910 newspaper clipping about the keeper’s son, “a sturdy lad.”

An unexpectedly soulful and absorbing chronicle of regional history in a scrapbook-style work.