Book Review: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Summary: This novel told in verse is an autobiographical account of Jacqueline Woodson’s life, following her infancy to her tween years in 1960s America. Jacqueline is tossed between two loving homes: rural South Carolina and inner city New York. Filled with a fine cast of family members, 1960s current events, and childhood shenanigans, this book is a heartwarming coming–of–age tale you won't want to miss.
Personal reactions: I adored this book! So much of it was a mirror for me. The things that matter most to me are God, my family, and words (reading/writing). This book was all about those three things, as they pertain to the young life of the author. I saw my family in her family. I saw my blooming writer self in her blooming writer self. I saw my childhood friendships in her childhood friendships. I saw my grandparents in her grandparents. It was beautiful.
This book also acted as a window for me, because I am not black and have not had the experiences Jacqueline had growing up. I don’t know what it’s like to ride the bus with my family (except to school), let alone to be forced to ride in the back of the bus because of the color of my skin. I don’t know what it’s like to have my parents fight over whether it's best to live in Ohio or South Carolina. I don’t know what it’s like to have a pale–skinned brother while my skin is dark.
One thing that bonds Jacqueline and I, regardless of our differences, is this: “I believe in Black people and White people coming together” (Woodson).
Lines that resonated with me: Golly, there were so many. I tabbed at least a dozen pages. Here are a few favorites:
“I think my life was very complicated and very rich . . . I think my life was at once ordinary and amazing . . . I know that I was and continue to be loved. I couldn’t ask for anything more” (p. 325)
“Every fallen eyelash and first firefly of summer . . . the dream remains. What did you wish for? To be a writer” (p. 313)
“Pretty Children, Miss Bell says. But God don’t make them no other kinda way” (p. 201)
“I want to ask: Will there always be a road? Will there always be a bus? Will we always have to choose between home and home?” (p. 104)
“At the fabric store, we are not Colored or Negro. We are not thieves or shameful or something to be hidden away. At the fabric store, we’re just people” (p. 91)
Questions I have after reading: Are there other autobiographical novels written in verse? Because, goodness, I loved this one! Blog readers, if you know of any, share the title in the comments below!
Trigger warning/parent advisory: racism, parents fighting, loss
Rating: 5, FANTASTIC
Audience: 10 years +
