BROWN GIRL DREAMING by Jacqueline Woodson

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2014. ISBN 0399252517

PLOT SUMMARY

In this memoir, Jacqueline Woodson tells her childhood story through many vivid poems. She shares her experiences in both South Carolina and New York, telling about her life as an African American girl growing up shortly after the Civil Rights Movement. Between being teased in the South for the way they talked, and being misunderstood in Brooklyn for being Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jacqueline and her family had to rely on each other. Beginning with storytelling, she describes how she ends up finding her place in the world as a writer.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

There is much more to this novel than telling a childhood story. It also provides historical information about the given time in history and background into how Jacqueline became a writer. Multiple connections are made to African American history including segregation and marches. Influential people such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X are also mentioned. Interactions described with other characters also give the reader insight. Her grandfather, for example, gives his wisdom about nonviolent protests saying, “You can’t just put your fist up. You have to insist on something gently.” The differing language use between the North and South is also a notable component that the Woodson children were forced to adjust to. Jacqueline’s passion for storytelling also becomes evident throughout the story, and she shares how this helped to shape her into a successful writer.

The writing in this story consists of mesmerizing poetry in which Jacqueline’s feelings are honest and transparent. Through imagery, her writing allows the reader to go through her journey along with her. This novel has a lot to offer to readers. It provides learners with an engaging way to explore a time in history. It encourages all readers to reach for their dreams just as Jacqueline did, and stay hopeful no matter what the situation may be. Emphasis is also placed on the loyalty among family, which is an important theme in African American children's literature. Overall, this novel written in verse is filled with well-crafted, beautiful writing that is sure to captivate young readers everywhere.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A New York Times Bestseller

National Book Award Winner

A National Book Award Winner
A Newbery Honor Book
A Coretta Scott King Award Winner

From Kirkus Reviews: “Woodson cherishes her memories and shares them with a graceful lyricism; her lovingly wrought vignettes of country and city streets will linger long after the page is turned. For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share.”

From Publishers Weekly: “The writer’s passion for stories and storytelling permeates the memoir, explicitly addressed in her early attempts to write books and implicitly conveyed through her sharp images and poignant observations seen through the eyes of a child. Woodson’s ability to listen and glean meaning from what she hears lead to an astute understanding of her surroundings, friends, and family.”

From Booklist: “[Woodson’s] memoir in verse is a marvel, as it turns deeply felt remembrances of Woodson’s preadolescent life into art. Her mother cautions her not to write about her family but, happily, many years later, she has and the result is both elegant and eloquent, a haunting book about memory that is itself altogether memorable.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Jacqueline Woodson books to read such as:

Another Brooklyn. ISBN 0062359983

Feathers. ISBN 0142415502

Gather other Coretta Scott King award winning books to read such as:

Alexander, Kwame. The Crossover. ISBN 0544107713

Possible activities:

Allow students to write a poem or a story about their own name.

Encourage students to make a display of their own family tree.