56 pages • 1 hour read
Brown Girl Dreaming
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Book Brief
Brown Girl Dreaming
Nonfiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2014337
Novel/Book in Verse • Nonfiction
1960s-1970s
2014
Middle grade
10-14 years
990L
Super Short Summary
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson is a memoir in verse detailing her childhood, family history, and the beginning of her writing journey. Woodson, born in Ohio, experiences life in both the North and the South, navigating family separations, religious upbringing, racial prejudice, dyslexia, and the civil rights movement, while forming lasting friendships and discovering her passion for storytelling. The book references the incarceration of a family member.
Contemplative
Emotional
Hopeful
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
96,094 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson combines poetic narrative and rich imagery to portray her youth in the segregated South and later in Brooklyn. Praised for its lyrical prose and emotional depth, the book is accessible and engaging for young readers. However, some critics felt the poetic structure may not appeal to all. Overall, it is a compelling, evocative memoir.
Who Should Read Brown Girl Dreaming?
Ideal for fans of The House on Mango Street, readers who savor poetic prose and coming-of-age stories will find Brown Girl Dreaming captivating. Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir in verse appeals to those interested in themes of identity, family, and history, particularly within the context of African American experiences.
96,094 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
337
Novel/Book in Verse • Nonfiction
1960s-1970s
2014
Middle grade
10-14 years
990L
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