Jacqueline Woodson’s “Brown Girl Dreaming”: A Masterpiece

Woodson, J. (2014). Brown girl dreaming. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books

VOYA Rating

Grade Level Interest: M, J

Quality: 5Q

Popularity: 4P

Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming (2014) is not your typical autobiography; it is a work of poetic art. Drawing from her memories to skillfully craft her titles and stories, she uses poetic elements like stanza, verse, and imagery to evoke emotions and visuals that allow readers to walk in her shoes. She also writes fluidly with equally powerful words, impacting the reader that provokes thought and reflection. Aside from the numerous literary awards this book received, including the National Book Award, I chose this book because I love learning about people, their unique experiences, and how those contributed to who they have become.

I would definitely add this masterpiece to my library’s teen collection. As I had mentioned earlier, readers can reflect upon their own lives after reading Woodson’s autobiography. In her work, she writes about her experiences with racism, friendships, family, religion, and moving, which readers may be able to relate to in today’s society.  Readers may even find her as a role model; someone who wants to become an aspiring writer or are just trying to find their own identities in the midst of societal/media influence and peer pressure (Latham & Gross, 2014, 112).

 

Coates, T. (2015). Between the world and me. New York: Spiegel & Grau

If you liked Brown Girl Dreaming as much as I did, I would also recommend Between the World and Me (2015) by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Expanding on the theme of racial inequality that was touched in Brown Girl Dreaming, this book is a reflection of Mr. Coates life as a black boy/man in a dominant White world. According to Novelist, both titles sharing these appeal factors:

Genre: Autobiographies and memoirs

Tone: Thought-Provoking

Writing Style: Lyrical and Thoughtful

Subject: African Americans

VOYA Rating for Ta-Nahisi Coates Between the World and Me

Grade Level Interest: S, A/YA

Quality: 5Q

Popularity: 4P

References

Latham, D. & Gross, M. (2014). Young adult resources today: Connection teens with books, music, games, movies, and more. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield

Monstress Vol 1: Awakening

Liu, Marjorie. Monstress Volume One: Awakening. Image Comics, 2016. 192 pages. Tr. $9.99, ISBN 978-1632157096

VOYA Evaluation

Grade Level Interest: S; NA; A/YA

Quality: 4Q

Popularity: 3P

Truth be told, this is my first time reading a comic book or graphic novel. Even though I loved watching shows like Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon as a kid, it never appealed to me to pick up a comic/graphic novel from the stacks.When I saw that there was a comic on the syllabus, I decided to take a chance and read something different. Although I was confused at first on the order in which the dialogue is read, when I finally got a hang of it, I was captivated by the story line and use of color in the images.

Although one could argue that the images and language used in Monstress Volume One: Awakening are a bit vulgar (nudity, bloodshed, and profanity), I would gladly add this title to my teen collection. The images and spoken dialogue align with the characters expression and personality, which would help teen readers follow the story line easier. The main protagonist, Maika Halfwolf is also relatable to teens as she is ambitious, loyal, ruthless, and a teen herself. If I introduced her to a teen reader as someone with strong magic, determination, and share those qualities mentioned before, I think Monstress could be enjoyed by teens and adults alike.

Houser, Jody. Mother Panic. Vol 1, A Work in Progress. DC Comics, 2017.176 pages. Tr. $16.99, ISBN 978-1401271114

If you really enjoyed the first volume of the Monstress series, I’m sure you would continue to read the entire series (there are 12 issues currently). However, if you are looking for another graphic novel series, I would recommend Mother Panic. Vol 1, A Work in Progress. Like Maika, Violet Paige has a tough exterior displayed through her rage and assaults against their enemies. However, both characters also have a soft side to them as well; wanting to save others who were held hostage by captors.  Maika and Violet are also looking to their past to drive the story line to what looks like an adventurous future.

Below are the shared appeal terms Novelist identified between the two titles:

Genre: Graphic Novels

Character: Strong female

Subject: Revenge