Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Genre

Children's Novel in Verse

Target Age Group

9-13, 4-8 grade

Summary

Woodson's thought-provoking poems describe her life in South Carolina and New York growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s. Woodson reflects on the remnants of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights movement, and each poem gives a look into her childhood as she searches for her place in the world.

Justification for Choosing

I selected this book because its been honored for multiple awards such as being a National Book Award winner and Newberry Award winner. I was also recommended this book from one of the children's librarians at the public library I work at; this made me more interested in picking up this story as it was so renowned and popular among readers of all ages. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating the book's content, characters, and language. 

Content: 

The content of this story is relevant to young readers as it offers an insightful glimpse into the life of an African American child growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. While the historical setting and cultural context may not be relatable for children nowadays, the book’s narrative grabs readers’ attention and allows them to empathize with Woodson. The story addresses mature themes such as racial inequality and the fight for civil rights, which allow children to get a better understand of the United State’s history from direct source. The contents of this story convey that Woodson believes young readers are capable of understanding mature themes that are not always expresses in children’s books. Exposing young readers to the reality of life during a time of inequality and blatant racism fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of our history. The story connects children from the past and present by encouraging children to reflect on what has and hasn’t progressed in our society.  

Characters: 

The characters in Brown Girl Dreaming, especially Jacqueline Woodson herself, are multidimensional and feel realistic. As readers dive into Woodson's thoughts, we grow closer to her and gain insight into how she feels about what is occurring around her. Even though the story is written by Woodson as an adult, she beautifully captures a childlike tone, making her character more relatable for young readers. The variety of poems and narrative style allow readers to better understand Woodson's experiences and emotions, creating a strong bond between the character and the reader.

Language: 

The language used by the narrator and supporting characters in the story is accurate for 1960s and 1970s America. It not only aligns with the era but also matches the age of the young narrator, making it suitable for young readers despite the mature themes being discussed throughout the story. The language effectively advances the story, keeping readers engaged and like they are living in Woodson's head. Additionally, the thoughtful use of italics throughout the narrative enhances Woodson's thoughts as readers can easily visualize and understand the lines and words the author is trying to emphasize. The extra attention Woodson has towards the language she uses and how it appears on the page is notable and makes the story that much memorable for readers of all ages. 

Overall Rating: 5/5

References 

Woodson, J. (2016). Brown Girl Dreaming. Nancy Paulsen Books.