Unequal: A Story of America by Dyson & Favreau

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dyson, Michael Eric and Marc Favreau. 2022. UNEQUAL: A STORY OF AMERICA. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780759557024.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a collection of stories of bright and brave African Americans who have suffered injustice in this country, but prevailed and triumphed in spite of the odds against them. The authors begin by claiming truth and challenging the reader to look honestly at the tragic realities of the lives recounted in the pages to come. The accounts range from the Reconstruction after the Civil War to the recent events of 2021. The unfortunate themes of oppression and prejudice can easily be seen through centuries of American history. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is important.  Modern American society needs books like this one to retell history from a different, and more honest, perspective.  Personal and specific examples of the absurdity and destructive nature of racism need to be told and retold until the masses refuse to repeat the mistakes of the past.  However, I do not think the voice and tone of this book is the most constructive. The angry undertones take away from the purpose of historical clarity.  The anger is absolutely justified and understandable.  But just one example- if the goal is to be heard and understood, then why make intentional choices with capitalization like “Black people and white people” or “whites and Blacks.” It’s silly, but in every instance of the book, Black is capitalized and white is not. Throughout the book, Dyson and Favreau generalize all blacks together and all whites together. No doubt, racial issues are complex. I know this book isn’t overtly coaching reconciliation and unity, but instead is highlighting the inequalities of a nation, past and present. Fine and good. However, I don’t see the value in creating a looking glass for others to clearly see the truth, if you cloud or taint the glass with your own bias.

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

Kirkus Reviews starred, (March 2022) “This accessible, riveting collection will inspire readers to claim responsibility for helping to ensure that the U.S. one day lives up to its most ethical professed ideals. Grounded in evidence and optimistic: uplifts the social power of studying Black American freedom fighters.”

Publishers Weekly starred, (April 2022)

School Library Connection starred, (May 2022)

School Library Journal starred, (May 2022) “VERDICT Empowering, profound, and necessary, purchase for all collections serving young adults.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book is a valuable addition to a "Civil Rights studies" collection, along with: 

Bullard, Sara. Free at last : a history of the Civil Rights movement and those who died in the struggle, ISBN 978-0-329-26129-0

Byers, Anne. Beyond slavery: African Americans from emancipation to today, ISBN  978-0-7660-7547-4

Reynolds, Jason. Stamped: Racism, antiracism, and you, (YA) ISBN 978-1-71373-274-7

**Other books of note about race: 

Aronson, Marc. Race: a history beyond black and white, ISBN 978-0-689-86554-1

Fleming, Crystal Marie. Rise up!: how you can join the fight against white supremacy, 978-1-25022-638-9

Edited by Hudson, Wade and Cheryl Willis Hudson. The talk : conversations about race, love & truth, ISBN 978-0-593-12162-7

The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights

-from Wikipedia

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Freedman, Russell. 2004. THE VOICE THAT CHALLENGED A NATION: MARIAN ANDERSON AND THE STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-618-15976-2 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This book is much more than just the story of Marian Anderson’s life and career. Her story of talent and triumph is told concurrently with the struggles Anderson encountered for her civil rights. Her youth was riddled with hardship, with the loss of her father and the poverty that resulted. Despite her exceptional talent, Marian was denied opportunities because of the color of her skin. However, her relentless pursuit of excellence resulted in a legendary music career that transcended racial stigmas and prejudice. Significant relationships, like the one she had with Eleanor Roosevelt, led to a lifetime of meaningful and monumental experiences. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In this groundbreaking biography, the richness of Anderson’s voice is tragically juxtaposed against the depravity of racism. Chapter one is not about the beginning of Anderson’s life; the book begins by spotlighting her historical concert at the Lincoln Memorial, where Marian Anderson sings of freedom, in freedom. Freedman does a great job of exhibiting the exceptionality of Marian Anderson’s vocal talent and how that exceptionality paved the road for  liberty and equal rights for all. The majority of this book is about Anderson’s vocal journey, with secondary references of her personal relationships. There is a recurring theme of Anderson’s grace under pressure and her graciousness toward those around her. 

The black and white photos help the reader better understand the people and places of Anderson’s life. They reveal her elegance and her popularity.  

The latter part of the book highlights the diplomatic roles Anderson played, from her goodwill tour through Asia to her service as the U.S. delegate to the United Nations.  Her accolades and her activism are noteworthy, and Freedman honors both. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S):

Newbery Honor Book, 2005

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2005

Horn Book Magazine Starred Review (May/June 2004): “Because his account of Anderson's burgeoning career is so comprehensive, Freedman gives the familiar events surrounding the Lincoln Memorial concert fresh resonance and drama, and here moves into his forte, showing the accomplishments of an individual as both an actor in and an emblem of her times.”

Kirkus Reviews Starred (April 2004): “Well-chosen, well-placed archival photographs, clear writing, abundant research seamlessly woven into the text, and careful documentation make an outstanding, handsome biography. Freedman at his best.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This book can be a great addition to a ‘Black History’ display or study, along with: 

Aanu Zoboi, Ibi. Star child: a biographical constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler, ISBN 978-1-53798-858-0

Hoose, Phillip M. Claudette Colvin : twice toward justice, ISBN 978-1-42994-821-0

Joy, Angela. Choosing Brave, ISBN 978-1-51605-137-3

*Other good middle grade books about Marian Anderson: 

Russell-Brown, Katheryn. Marian Anderson (She Persisted), ISBN 978-1-66883-305-6

Ryan, Pam Munoz. When Marian sang : the true recital of Marian Anderson the voice of a century, ISBN 978-0-439-26967-4

The Crossing: How George Washington Saved the American Revolution- Middle Grade Nonfiction

 

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Murphy, Jim. 2010. THE CROSSING: HOW GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVED THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 978-0-439-69186-4 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

George Washington is one of the most well-known and celebrated leaders in American history.  Murphy’s middle-grade book delivers a great story of how Washington earned this reputation. The book begins with his appointment by the Continental Congress after the first battles of Lexington and Concord. It follows Washington’s military ventures from the very beginning of the war through the turning point battles of Trenton and Princeton. Specific details of dates, movements and locations chronicle Washington’s most strategic plays. The book contains great illustrations, historical maps, and artifacts from the time period. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Crossing is an informative book. For a middle grade book, it includes a lot of historical details. It is full of dates, locations, names of leaders, numbers of troops, etc.  These historical details can detract from the flow of the overall story.  The beginning of Washington’s service to the Revolutionary cause is full of doubt, both from Washington and his critics. Although the maps and illustrations are all in sepia monochrome, they really enhance the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.   

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist Starred Review (Nov. 2010): “Murphy offers a refreshingly frank, vivid, well-researched account of a pivotal time in American history.”

School Library Journal Starred Review (Dec. 2010): “A first purchase, even if your American Revolution shelves are packed.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*If you include this book in a study unit about the Revolutionary War, you may also consider: 

George vs. George: the American Revolution as seen from both sides, by Rosalyn Schanzer, ISBN 978-1-42871-796-1

Sophia’s War: a tale of Revolution, by Avi, ISBN 978-1-53798-858-0

Revolutionary friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette, by Selene Castrovilla, ISBN 978-1-59078-880-6

*Other good middle grade books about George Washington: 

Allen, Thomas B. George Washington, spymaster: how the Americans outspied the British and won the Revolutionary War, ISBN 978-1-42871-797-8

Earl, Sari. George Washington : revolutionary leader & founding father, ISBN 978-1-60453-967-7

Podcasts!

In LSSL 5391, we are discussing Podcasts this week!  I looked into three different platforms for creating podcasts, and I want to give you my impressions of each one. 

Podbean: I found Podbean to be a great site for beginners. You can operate a free account. This is the first website I used to make a podcast for another class.  I recorded my podcast on my phone, and then uploaded it to the website.  It was really simple. If you are wanting to reach an increasing amount of people, Podcast offers ways to track your listening statistics, as well as advertise and promote yourself.  Podbean is also set up so that you can easily share through social media or other markets. If you are interested in learning a little bit about a legendary librarian, Augusta Baker, take a listen here: 

Buzzsprout: You can also operate a free account on this website.  You can upload or create 2 hours of content per month for free. You can also edit your content pretty easily, and you can add features like transition music. Sound optimization is only available through a paid subscription. This website also offers monetization through ads or podcast subscriptions. Like the other sites, you can add music and/or artwork to your episodes.  They offer easy access to different podcast directories. I do like the ‘Resources’ section of this website.  It offers a lot of good information about all of the different options and services Buzzsprout offers.

Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor): This is the platform I chose to create the podcast for this assignment. I recorded using my standard laptop microphone. The audio quality is great. Because this is a branch of Spotify, you can quickly link your music playlists with your podcast recordings, and include 30 second segments of your favorite songs.  They also have a great database of short musical transition interludes. These can not only add to the listening enjoyment of your episode, but also set a certain mood for your listeners. 

I also like that they have added ways for podcasters to interact with their listeners.  You can attach questions or polls to your podcasts. I liked Spotify the best out of the three platforms. The podcast creation interface was colorful and easy to understand and manipulate. Here is my newest podcast (for 5391) about 10 Things I've learned from Kinder Storytime!

Podcasts are a great tool of communication and even promotion in the library.  Many times, young people are more apt to listen than read.  Unlike written forms of communication, podcasts can be enjoyed while someone is doing other things, like driving or doing chores. They readily fit into busy schedules. 

Communication or education through podcasts eliminate certain barriers like reading difficulties.  They can also expand accessibility of information to some that might otherwise not be able to read or access the information. I like the idea of using podcasts to premiere library programs or introduce topics of study.  I could also see them being useful in book clubs.  They could add additional context and depth to many activities within the library.  

I will admit that I am not a big podcast listener.  I feel like I do not learn as well without a visual element. So podcast communication or learning can be challenging for others like me.  That being said, I did find some great education- and library-related podcasts. 

Martine Guernsey created "The Teaching Space" podcast.  It concluded in April of 2022, but there are several years of episodes that are practical and helpful. Also, she has a great accent that's fun to listen to!

"The Cult of Pedagogy" podcast by Jennifer Gonzalez is another great educational podcast. Her podcasts cover everything from book reviews to technology to 'attitude adjustments.' :) She has some awesome stuff for today's educators! 

"Librarypunk" is a podcast created by a team of librarians, from both academic and public libraries. It is entertaining and address some broader issues that affect all libraries. 

"School Librarians United" by Amy Hermon, which is sponsored by Capstone, is a helpful tool for school librarians. 

Last, but not least, "Leading from the Library with Future Ready Librarians," which is sponsored by Follett, is a great resource for school librarians as well.  I listened to a recent episode about creating reconsideration policies for libraries.  It also has other very relevant topics to our current challenges as librarians. 

Nonfiction Picture Book- Almost Gone

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2006. ALMOST GONE THE WORLD’S RAREST ANIMALS. New York: HarperCollins Publishers Inc. ISBN 978-0-06-053598-8

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Almost Gone is part of a “Let’s-read-and-find-out” science series. This beautiful book begins with a simple, but poignant explanation of the connection between all living things.  It uses the common chickadee as an example of how the loss of one species affects so many others. Education and conservation are the goals of this important book. 

Starting from the cover page, Jenkins introduces the reader to a myriad of endangered animals.  Ranging from the Miami Blue Butterfly in Florida to the Northern Right Whale of the Atlantic, the pages are filled with illustrations and introductions of almost thirty different animals.  For every animal, there is a short, easy-to-understand paragraph describing the animal, its habitat, and the reason for its endangerment. 

The book ends with an elementary map, showing the approximate locations of the animals and their current prospect. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The illustrations of Almost Gone are colorful and eye-catching. The simplicity and spareness of the page layout help the reader focus on the information about the animal. Each animal description includes a shockingly small number of how many of that specific animal is left in the world. Jenkins does a good job of giving the reader baseline information about these precious animals. However, one can be left informed, but discouraged, and even stunted by the end.  There are no action steps given to actually help these animals. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED: “This engaging title is informative as well as visually stunning. Jenkins captures the essence of his subjects with appropriately colored, cut-paper collage illustrations on stark white backgrounds.” 

5. CONNECTIONS

*If teachers or students want to find action steps to helping with important conservation work, there are great websites with more information and suggestions:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/how-to-help

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/save-the-earth/article/save-animals

https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/youth/conservation_for_kids.html

*There are so many other conversationalist books for children, such as: 

Clinton, Chelsea. DON’T LET THEM DISAPPEAR: 12 ENDANGERED SPECIES ACROSS THE GLOBE. ISBN 978-0-525-51432-9

Tomsic, Kim. THE ELEPHANTS COME HOME: A TRUE STORY OF SEVEN ELEPHANTS, TWO PEOPLE, AND ONE EXTRAORDINARY FRIENDSHIP. ISBN 978-1-66885-440-2

Creating Comics- The good, the free, and the annoying!

Fotojet- I do not like this application. I do not think it is very user-friendly. For example, the properties window opens up over and over again, while you are trying to manipulate your comic.  It covers up the project that you are trying to work on. It was incredibly frustrating! I also disliked how the template moves, as you try to edit the elements. Again- so frustrating!  I had to give my credit card information to try it "for free" for 7 days. Overall, the options it provides to create a comic feel older and less relevant to younger people. There are many other products you can create on this website, and it may be more appropriate for those other things. 

Pixton- This website is by far my favorite!  It is user friendly.  It has tons of options for backgounds and characters.  You can personalize each character, down to their facial expressions. I think the style is youthful and would be the most attractive to my intermediate students. It is also organized specifically for education purposes. You can choose "content packs" based on a historical eras or events, or even books and plays.  The selections can be curated for a specific age/grade level also. I would  To download, print or share properly, you do have to pay for a subscription.  A personal account isn't too costly, but in order for our students to have access, it is $24.99 per month. 

MakeBeliefComix- This is the only comic-generating website of the three that is totally free.  This is a HUGE advantage to using it with our students! You can print, save or share the comic you create pretty easily.  However, it seems much more elementary than the other two.  It has pretty limited options for backgrounds and structure.  There are some fun choices for characters, but most of them seem silly and more appropriate for younger kids. Also, they are all pre-set in their pose, unlike Pixton, where you can move and mold their bodies and expressions. 

I want to make time to use these tools in my library job-- especially Pixton.  I think they are a great way to relay information to students, as well as add some fun to the library.  I tried to create comics that I can use right now at my school.  I am going to post them on our Schoology Library group.  I am looking forward to seeing how the students react to them. 

I could see it being beneficial to share these fun tools with the teachers, so they could use comics in their classes.  Because these tools are pretty easy to use, I could probably share the ideas and websites over email or our shared Google Drive. Of course, the concept would best be communicated by sharing some quality examples with them. I would probably need to be available for some personal tutorials, for staff members are not as adept or proficient at new online endeavors.  As always, leading by example with new tools is the best way to lead our colleagues. 

Poems in the Attic by Nikki Grimes

 

-taken from nikkigrimes.com

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki. 2015. POEMS IN THE ATTIC. Ill. by Elizabeth Zunon. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc. ISBN 978-1-62014-027-7. 

2. PLOT SUMMARY

A young girl is staying with her grandmother for a few days, when she discovers her mother’s poems in the house attic. Half of the poems are about the mother’s experiences in all different places, as she and her family moved all around the world due to her father being in the military. The other half of the poems are the experiences and memories shared between the granddaughter and grandmother; it is like a walk down memory lane. The poems go back and forth between free verse and Tanka.  

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Grimes distinguishes between the mother’s and daughter’s voices by writing the daughter’s poems in free verses and writing the mother’s poems in tanka form.  The poems are simple and short.  They are used as short glimpses into special places and experiences. It is similar to flipping through someone’s family photo album. 

As a girl, the mother discovered things about the world in which she lived, she also discovered things about herself.  The daughter enjoys finding connections between herself and her mother. The young girl is only seven years old, so once again, the age of the narrator affects the depth of description and diction. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide starred review

Kirkus Reviews Starred, March 2015, “Succinct poetry shines in this impassioned celebration of history; the stories of this African-American family traveling the globe are rich with heart and color.”

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee

5. CONNECTIONS

*In a poetry unit, this book could be used as a great example of the Tanka form, while using other books, such as A to Z Poetry for Kids by Kellan G. Peterson to explore different forms and types of poetry. 

*This would be a great book to read to kids in a more transient community.  It could pair with other books about the coming and going of moving, like Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood and From there to here by Laurel Croza. 

Inside Out & Back Again

 

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lai, Thanhha. 2011. INSIDE OUT & BACK AGAIN. New York: Harper. ISBN 978-0-06-196279-0. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This YA novel in verse is the story of Hà, the youngest in a Vietnamese family living through an ever-changing world in the 1970s.  Hà’s thoughts and observations sometimes seem like a typical, funny pre-teen, but she also conveys the tension of life with a missing father and a collapsing country. Her mother tries to hold on to hope, while she works hard to provide for her family. Hà’s three older brothers all have different coping mechanisms or preoccupations, from idolizing Bruce Lee to hoping for chicks. 

The book is partially autobiographical for the author, Thanhha Lai. The poems capture glimpses of the fear, the anger, and the heartbreak involved in leaving one’s homeland and relocating in a strange, new country. The story of this family’s resilience and strength is inspiring. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This tragic story captures a very unique experience, but it also speaks to common themes of emigration. The age and innocence of the narrator affects the tone and mood of the book. Throughout the book, the poems vacillate between suffering and superficiality.  The absence of her father affects Hà differently than the other family members because she was so young when he disappeared. Therefore, she observes the suffering of her loved ones, and grieves more for them than she does for herself.  

The form and syntax of the free verse structure complement the voice of a narrator whose first language is not English.  Her descriptions are usually short and simple, without complex sentence structure or elevated vocabulary.  The stanzas are usually short, and she uses sparsity for emphasis. 

There is so much of Hà’s experience that feels symbolic. Food is one example.  She is happy when she eats the goodies of the market. Times are bleak when they have little to eat on the Navy ship where they take refuge. When the Americans connect with them on the water, food is the most noted difference. Symbolism and spiritualism add layers of meaning to the adolescent perspective. The  papaya and the gong symbolize hope and peace in the household; both lost and then regained- inside out and back again. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist Starred

Kirkus Reviews Starred

Newbery Honor, 2012

School Library Journal Starred, Dec, 2011: “Told in verse, the story features a spirited child who misses her homeland and faces bullies, unfriendly people, and perfectly horrid American food. A tender tale, leavened with humor and hope.” 

5. CONNECTIONS

*To draw attention to the refugee experience, this book can be paired with other middle grade highly-reviewed books such as When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson or The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani. 

Videos and QR codes in the Library

                     

Scan the QR code for an Animoto Book Trailer for The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander.

"An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!

From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes the first book in a searing, breathtaking trilogy that tells the story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family." - from the publisher

~~~~~~~

Using QR codes can really add depth the students' visits to their library!  I hope to attach QR codes on our "New Books" shelf, so students can view exciting book trailers about the new books and then make more informed choices about which books they want to check out. 

Also, I would like to add QR codes linked to "How to" videos around the library computers to help students understand and maximize their use of our online resources. 

~~~~~~

On "The Unquiet Library" YouTube channel, there is a wide variety of videos.  Some of the most helpful videos are the instructional tutorials, like the one below about Power Point that was made to help Senior students with their projects.

However, I'm sure my students would be even more interested in the videos like this next one, that includes music!  Kids LOVE music!  And what an incredibly cool idea- to invite music groups or clubs to use the library space! 

For the Pikesville High School library channel, there are a lot different videos too.  As a former AVID teacher, I loved seeing all of the AVID videos.  Some of the most helpful videos that they posted were about the advanced courses that the students could choose during registration.  Another great idea!  I want to share this video with our advanced teachers.  Parents and students have so many questions and worries about these courses; I think videos like these could be very helpful! 

No doubt- our students would LOVE to make and watch videos like this one! How fun! I want my students to view the library as a place to celebrate and enjoy each other!

The Door of No Return by Kwame Alexander

-image from Goodreads

1.BIBLIOGRAPHY

Alexander, Kwame. 2022. THE DOOR OF NO RETURN. New York: Little, Brown and  Company. ISBN 978-0-316-44186-5. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Alexander emphasizes the African origin of the African-American story.  This story is about Kofi, an 11-year-old Ashante boy who loves his family and loves to swim.  We learn about his life in the village, where he goes to school with his friends and cousins. For Kofi, village life includes everything from the simple joys of ripe fruit to the harsh realities of festival wrestling matches. When Kofi is captured, he assumes it is the beginning of his journey to becoming a man. Instead it is the beginning of his journey to becoming a slave. The suspenseful ending makes room for the next novel in the series. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Warning: This story will rip your heart out.

Alexander authenticates his tale with Ashanti words, symbols and traditions. They all bring depth and texture to the storyline. His characterization is straightforward and uncomplicated– which fits perfectly with the setting and time period of the piece.  

The description of Kofi’s time in captivity is riveting. The potency of Alexander’s words will take your breath away.  The horrors of the experience are told through the ignorant and innocent eyes of a tribal child.  Alexander tempers the tragic details for his younger readers, but the truth behind his fictional story is absolutely heartbreaking. 

We need stories like this one.  We need to be reminded of what man can do to his fellow man, if he doesn’t keep his humanity and morality in check. 

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book, Best Book of 2022

Booklist Starred Review, “Through Alexander’s verse, readers are reminded of the beauty and unbounded richness that Ghana and her people have to offer...Alexander has written a masterpiece, one that powerfully and truthfully gives agency to the Black voices of the past. Profound and important reading."

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use other cultural novels in verse: 

Unbound: a novel in verse, by Ann E. Burg 978-0-545-93427-5

Land of the Cranes, by Aida Salazar ISBN 978-1-66882-737-6

In the Beautiful Country, by Jane Kuo ISBN 978-0-06-311898-0

*Other engaging Historical Slave Fiction for middle-grades, that can be used in conjunction with Social Studies/American history lessons :

Chains, Forge, and Ashes, Seeds of America three book series, by Laurie Halse Anderson 

Freedom over Me: eleven slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life by Ashley Bryan, ISBN 978-1-53794-740-2

Freewater, by Amina Luqman-Dawson. ISBN 978-1-51605-097-0

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2014. BROWN GIRL DREAMING. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books. ISBN 978-0-399-25251-8. 

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

This novel in free verse is autobiographical.  Jacqueline Woodson tells her story of growing up and of being from Ohio, South Carolina, and New York.  The chapter poems create a genealogy, giving dynamic, endearing details of her loved ones while she describes the ins and outs of growing up. The book touches on significant civil rights issues, but from a child’s limited perspective. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This story is beautifully written. Woodson’s words are simple, but powerful.  The free verse form of the book gives life to the hopes and dreams of a young girl.  

The child narrator freely gives grace and forgiveness to the flawed adults in her life story. The reader wonders if Jacqueline understands the events and actions of her adults, or if she is just observing their behaviors. Jackie speaks so matter-of-factly about the losses or hardships in her life.  But even when she does, she mentions it briefly and then moves on quickly to the next thing. 

The space Woodson uses is nearly as potent as the words she uses.  She creates space between her verses for listening and wonder. She also regularly employs parallel structure for emphasis.  

Her unique experiences of moving around the country provides the reader with different depictions of life in different black or diverse communities. Woodson skillfully juxtaposes her life in South Carolina with her life in New York City, neither perfect nor incomplete.  

4. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Coretta Scott King Author Award, 2015

Newbery Honor winner, 2015

National Book Award winner

Kirkus Reviews Starred, 2015: “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.”

Booklist starred, August 2014: “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.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Use specific poems, like “gunnar’s children” as an example and assign students to write descriptive poems about a loved one. 

*Other engaging books of free verse for middle graders:

Alexander, Kwame. THE CROSSOVER. ISBN 978-0544935204

LaRocca, Rajani. RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE. ISBN 978-0063047426

Warga, Jasmine. OTHER WORDS FOR HOME. ISBN 978-0062747815