In 'Brown Girl Dreaming', Jacqueline Woodson takes readers on a poignant journey through her childhood, growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 70s. With lyrical prose and vivid imagery, she reflects on the power of words and storytelling against the backdrop of a changing America. Each poem unveils the struggles and triumphs of her family, illuminating the complexities of identity and belonging. Woodson's exploration of her roots and experiences invites readers to understand the profound impact of culture and history. This beautifully crafted memoir not only speaks to her personal journey but also resonates with anyone searching for their own place in the world.
By Jacqueline Woodson
Published: 2016
"I am born in Ohio but the stories of my people are all around me, shaping my dreams and the person I am becoming."
Jacqueline Woodson's National Book Award and Newbery Honor winner is a powerful memoir that tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse. A President Obama "O" Book Club pick Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become. Includes 7 additional poems, including "Brown Girl Dreaming." Praise for Jacqueline Woodson: "Ms. Woodson writes with a sure understanding of the thoughts of young people, offering a poetic, eloquent narrative that is not simply a story . . . but a mature exploration of grown-up issues and self-discovery.”—The New York Times Book Review
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“I am born in Ohio but the stories of my people are all around me, shaping my dreams and the person I am becoming.”
Brown Girl Dreaming
By Jacqueline Woodson
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Jacqueline Woodson is a critically acclaimed American author known for her profound contributions to children's and young adult literature. She is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Newbery Honor, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the National Book Award. Some of her most notable works include 'Brown Girl Dreaming,' an autobiographical novel-in-verse, and 'Another Brooklyn,' a poignant fiction exploring themes of identity and adolescence. Woodson's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, rich emotional depth, and exploration of themes such as race, family, and belonging. Through her storytelling, she inspires empathy and understanding in both young and adult readers alike.
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