**Newbery Honor Book in 2015**
Ms. Woodson shares her memories in free verse from the time she was born until about fifth grade.
She cleverly reveals racial issues in the 1960's-1970's, tragic events within her family, her search to find a place to call home (the south or NYC), her struggle in learning to read, and her deep desire to write and share stories. I loved how she shared her journey as a young writer.
Beautiful language and very well written.
Points to discuss: Lots of history--Her southern grandmother was a Jehovah Witness and Ms. Woodson's mother continued taking the children to the Hall in NYC yet Ms. Woodson's uncle was Muslim; her mom left her father when she was a baby and then had a baby out of wedlock-this father is never mentioned; Angela Davis and the Black Panthers are mentioned a few times (and admired); her one teacher is a feminist
Family tree is included in the front of the book and the back of the book contains photographs from both sides of the family.
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