Woodson, J. (2014). Brown Girl Dreaming. Penguin.
Summary
It's hard to understand the world around you when it feels like everyone is against you. Growing up with Jim Crow laws, desegregation, and the Civil Rights movement had an impact on Woodson in such a way that she created this book of verse to express what it felt like to be raised in such a time period. With the voice of a child growing up in hardship, and the expression of experience, Woodson creates an emotional picture that will move readers of all ages.
A Teacher's Perspective
There is so much in this book of verse that I almost feel as if I cannot express it correctly. The power within Woodson's verse is so well written, so vivid, so full of events that make you want to stop and ponder the meaning and theme and talk it over with someone. I HIGHLY recommend using this as a comparison to those like Langston Hughes, especially since Woodson expresses learning from Hughes herself. What a great addition to a poetry unit, a history class, or a book collection.
Want to know more?
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Here is a wonderful sample lesson plan if you would like to teach this in your classroom:
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