Brown Girl Dreaming
For my free verse book I chose Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. This story is beautifully told and written in verse which flows in a way where you can almost imagine her telling the story. By using poetry she tells the story of her childhood and what it’s like to grow up as an African American during the civil rights movement. Having her story told through poems instead of in chronological order adds a sense of realism to the book. We don’t recall our life through a set of linear events, but as flashbacks of memories that have defined our life. This book is a great example to show children that not all stories have to be told in one specific rigid format but that their stories can reflect their feelings.
So much depends
upon
4 years
One piece of paper
To open doors
That are nailed shut
One Reply to “Brown Girl Dreaming”
Hi Stephanie! I liked how you pointed out that memories are not a rigid linear system of events and therefore verse novels like this work best if they are free flowing memories as well! These free verse novels were a nice change from the rigid norm! And I loved your poem, it is so true.