BGD-Inspired Poems & Such

Part (A):

For my poetry book, I chose to read Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson. The reason why I chose to read this book over my original choice was because I was itching to read more books by Woodson after finishing After Tupac and D. Foster. Initially, I assumed that the book would be laid out as a diary-like compilation of experiences from Woodson’s life that was sprinkled with poetry that she had written throughout her life. That was not at all what the book entailed!

The book consisted of a compilation of poems that describe Woodson’s journey through life; it is an autobiography told entirely through poems. Before I read through the book cover-to-cover, I decided that I wanted to peruse the book and read any poems which jumped out at me. I read through quite a few poems, and ended my first reading session entirely satisfied and wishing that I could write poetry as well as Woodson. However, I’ve found that after reading through the book in its entirety that it is very hard to remain focused, as I’d had to read several passages over again because I was afraid of missing any main points.

I thought that the book could have been improved if Woodson would have included some periodical non-poetry text so that the reader could have a mental break every once in a while from having to digest such rich and dense poetry. Don’t get me wrong, I love reading and analyzing poetry, but constantly having to put my mind in “poetry mode” gets cumbersome and dull after a long reading session.

Criticisms aside, I found the content of the book to be spectacular as it deepened my own understanding of what people of color go through as they grow up and experience life. I think that I would most definitely teach this book in my classroom if I were to teach eighth grade or higher. This is because I feel as though some of the content might be a little tough for elementary aged students to properly react to; in my opinion, older students would get more out of Woodson’s narrative. Additionally, I think that the length of the book would turn off younger audiences, while older students wouldn’t be as intimidated by the length.

To sum my ramblings up: Brown Girl Dreaming is a phenomenal autobiography written by a very inspirational woman. Woodson’s writing style is beautiful and raw, and the book will grant its readers a new perspective on what it’s like to take a walk in Jacqueline Woodson’s shoes.

Part (B):

A brief poem that I put together using lines from A Brown Girl Dreaming:

At the end of the day, the newspaper is printed.

At night, every living thing competes.

But I sing  anyway, whenever I can.