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34 pages 1 hour read

Miracle's Boys

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Jacqueline Woodson

Miracle's Boys

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

131

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

660L

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Super Short Summary

Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson follows three brothers in a Puerto Rican neighborhood of New York City, grappling with the recent death of their mother, Milagros Bailey. Middle brother Charlie, freshly home from a juvenile detention center, confronts feelings of guilt and blame, while oldest brother Ty'ree struggles to keep the family together, and youngest brother Lafayette navigates the constant reminder of their family's grief. This book contains themes of gang violence.

Emotional

Melancholic

Heartwarming

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Readers praise Jacqueline Woodson's Miracle's Boys for its captivating emotional depth and vivid character development. The story's focus on family bonds and resilience resonates strongly, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s an evocative portrayal of brotherhood and survival amidst hardship.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Miracle's Boys?

Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson will captivate readers who appreciate heartfelt, coming-of-age stories centered on family dynamics and resilience. Fans of Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind or Walter Dean Myers' Monster will find similar themes of overcoming adversity and the power of love. Ideal for ages 12 and up, it blends emotional depth with compelling narration.

Character List

Lafayette Bailey

A 12-year-old boy living in a New York City borough who becomes introspective and withdrawn after his mother’s death, residing with his older brothers.

The middle brother who has recently returned from a juvenile detention facility, exhibiting a toughness contrasting his previous demeanor.

The eldest brother who takes on the responsibility of raising his younger siblings after their mother's death and works full-time, putting aside his own academic aspirations.

Book Details
Pages

131

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

660L

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