Jacqueline Woodson tells of the struggles she faced as a child in Brown Girl Dreaming. Growing up in this time period was a challenge for an African American child. She shows her triumphs while trying to find a place where she fits in the world, with her family, and with her future. She wants to succeed in her own dreams of becoming a writer, but so much is in her way. I felt like I related so much to Jackie's desire to follow her dreams. It is so difficult to get to a point of comfort in your life, and like Jackie, I am still on that road. It is hard to continue when so many people are trying to knock you down. Jackie wants to so badly fulfill her dreams, and the lesson of persistence is a great theme to teach high school aged students in this novel, while also incorporating civil rights, and the need of support from others to follow your desires. Similar to Jackie, this has been a trying year for me, but following my dreams and persisting is of the utmost importance for me right now. I don't want to give up and I want to prove those who told me I can't wrong! I could not have done any of this without my family, and neither could Jackie.
Lesson Learned:
Never give up on your dreams, and accept the help from, and the need for, those around you!
What did you think of the format that was used by Woodsen? Did you like the free verse approach to this story? What was your favorite visual picture that she created? Do you feel as thought your middle school students can relate to the struggles that Jacqueline had to endure? What history lessons do you think your students learn from this story?
ReplyDeleteHow would you use this book in your class? Can you use this in order to teach free verse or descriptive writing?
Glad you enjoyed this book.
Dr. Ries