brown girl dreaming


Bibliography
Woodson, Jacqueline, 2014. BROWN GIRL DREAMING. New York, NY: Penguin Random House, LLC. ISBN 978014715827

Plot Summary
Author Jacqueline Woodson writes free verse poems, telling the story of her childhood in Ohio, South Carolina, and New York, in the 1960's and 1970's. Woodson was growing up as an African American at the time of the Civil Rights movement. While she's growing up, she discovers what her true dream is after being introduced to a composition book and the power of writing. This leads Woodson to find her voice and spot in this big, wide world. 

Critical Analysis
Woodson writes a powerful, inspiring memoir based on her childhood. Her first person point of view in the story provides a unique telling of what it was like to grow up as a child during the Civil Rights movement. Woodson recalls her childhood in the places she grew up, such as Ohio, South Carolina, and New York. Her careful, descriptive details of each place and how she remembers them give readers the opportunity to feel as though they are standing right there with her. Also, getting to know Woodson's family and the valuable lessons they taught her. The precious memory of having a composition notebook, somehow knowing her writing was going to give meaning and inspire others to tell their story. Young readers will find inspiration from Woodson, given the opportunity to read about her growth from the beginning, they will see her struggles and understanding of the world. However, they will also see she had a dream, one she was unsure of but with the right encouragement, she finds what she needs to use her strong voice. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Coretta Scott King Book Award
John Newbery Medal
National Book Award for Young People's Literature
NAACP Image Award
Sibert Honor Winner
- Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This is a birth of a writer told from a child's perspective." 
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "For every dreaming girl (and boy) with a pencil in hand (or keyboard) and a story to share." 

Connections
- For fans of inspiring memoirs of strong women.
- For readers interested in a young girl's point of view of the Civil Rights movement in the South. 
- For young readers looking to find their inspiration to use their strong, meaningful voices to tell their own stories. 
- Similar book recommendations
Parks, Rosa & Haskins, Jim, 1999. ROSA PARKS: MY STORY. ISBN 9780141301204.
Woodson, Jacqueline, 2010. FEATHERS. ISBN 9780142415504. 

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