Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A series of poems that form the author's memoir. Very cleverly constructed and beautiful, sad, and moving in many parts. Might be kind of confusing for kids, who appear to be the intended audience, but it would work if a parent read it with them and explained all the background history.

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March: Book One by John Lewis

March: Book One by John Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I suspect that the full trilogy will be 5 stars, because this first one is very good. I only took a star off because I don't think it stands alone well. I think it's just the first one third of a book, not a stand-alone graphic novel.

Now that a majority of the US population is dissatisfied with the leadership and more people are organizing and protesting than ever before in my (relatively short) lifetime, this book is very important.

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The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like the concept of using poetry to tell this story and works perfectly. The feelings the main character Josh expresses are very relatable young adult feelings.

My only complaint was that the very short story decides to deal with a major life issue and that seems too big for this smaller narrative. I would have enjoyed this more if the author had just remained focused on the feelings and coming of age story of the twin brothers.

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is very disturbing in that there's violence, rape, and racism-- and to credit Angelou- the racism is the most painful somehow. The scene with the dentist is so heartbreaking. But the book is also full of love and humor. A classic.

I don't know if I this is the first time I read this autobiography or not. I had it on my shelf for ages, and I think I read it in high school.

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