Summary
Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir in verse that shares Jacqueline Woodson's experiences as an African American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s. Published in 2014, this critically acclaimed work explores themes of identity, family, race, and the Civil Rights movement as well as captures the power of personal narrative. Woodson's innovative approach to storytelling, combining elements of autobiography with vivid, emotionally charged poems, expands the book’s appeal to readers beyond the middle-grade and young adult categories. Brown Girl Dreaming has garnered prestigious accolades including the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, the Coretta Scott King Award, and a Newbery Honor.
Plot
In Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson tells the story of her childhood in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Ohio, Jacqueline moves with her mother and siblings to Greenville, South Carolina, after her parents separate. There, she lives with her grandparents, experiencing the remnants of Jim Crow laws and witnessing the rise of the Civil Rights movement.
In South Carolina, Jacqueline forms a close bond with her grandfather, Grandpa Gunnar, and observes the racial tensions of the time. Her grandmother, a Jehovah's Witness, raises the children in her faith. Jacqueline's mother, concerned about her children becoming “too Southern,” eventually moves the family to Brooklyn, New York.
In New York, Jacqueline faces new challenges, including the tragic death of her Aunt Kay. She struggles with reading in school but discovers a love for writing. The family continues to make trips back to South Carolina, where they witness Grandpa Gunnar's declining health due to lung cancer.
Throughout her journey, Jacqueline navigates her dual identity as a child of both the North and South. She forms friendships, explores her religious beliefs, and ultimately discovers her passion for storytelling. The memoir concludes with Jacqueline embracing her identity as a writer and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
Themes
Identity formation and self-discovery
Racial discrimination and civil rights
Family relationships and heritage
The power of writing and storytelling
Religious beliefs and their impact
Adaptation to different environments
Overcoming personal challenges
Setting
Set primarily in the 1960s and 1970s, Brown Girl Dreaming unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement and the lingering effects of Jim Crow laws. This era of social upheaval and progress forms a crucial context for Jacqueline Woodson's childhood experiences, shaping her understanding of race, identity, and her place in the world.
The memoir spans two distinct geographical areas—South Carolina and New York. In the South, Woodson spends her early years in Greenville, South Carolina, where she experiences the warmth of family bonds and the harsh realities of racial segregation. The author's vivid descriptions bring to life the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of her grandparents' home and the surrounding community.
Later, the narrative shifts to New York City, specifically Brooklyn, where Woodson's family relocates. This urban setting provides a stark contrast to her Southern roots, offering new challenges and opportunities. The juxtaposition of these two environments—the rural South and the bustling North—creates a rich tapestry that illustrates the complexity of the African American experience during this transformative period in American history.
Characters
Jacqueline (Jackie) Woodson: The protagonist and author of the memoir. Born in Ohio but raised in South Carolina and New York, Jackie struggles with reading as a child but discovers her love for writing. She grapples with her identity as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s, navigating family relationships, racial tensions, and her developing passion for storytelling.
Jackie's Mother: A strong-willed woman who moves her children from Ohio to South Carolina then to New York. She emphasizes the importance of proper speech and education, wanting her children to have better opportunities. Her actions and decisions significantly shape Jackie's upbringing and worldview.
Grandpa Gunnar: Jackie's maternal grandfather in Greenville, South Carolina. He works at a printing press and faces racial discrimination. Grandpa Gunnar forms a close bond with Jackie and serves as a role model, showing her the importance of dignity and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Grandma Georgiana: Jackie's maternal grandmother, a devout Jehovah's Witness who raises Jackie and her siblings in the faith. She provides a stable home for the children in South Carolina and later moves to New York. Her religious beliefs significantly influence Jackie's upbringing.
Aunt Kay: Jackie's mother's sister who lives in the upstairs apartment in Brooklyn. She forms a close relationship with Jackie but tragically dies in an accident.
Maria: Jackie's Puerto Rican friend in New York. Their friendship helps Jackie learn about female relationships and cultural diversity.
Jackie's Siblings: Her older brother and sister, and younger brother Roman. They share the experiences of moving between South Carolina and New York, adapting to different environments.
Jackie's Father: He separates from Jackie's mother early in the memoir. His presence is limited, but his absence impacts the family dynamics.
Quick facts
Brown Girl Dreaming is written entirely in free verse and haiku poetry.
Jacqueline Woodson struggled with reading as a child, which she reflects on in the memoir.
The story takes place in both South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 1970s.
Woodson's grandfather, an important figure in the book, worked at a printing press.
The author's Jehovah's Witness upbringing plays a significant role in the narrative.
Brown Girl Dreaming has been praised for its educational value in discussing race, ethics, and relationships.
The book is considered a prime example of a verse memoir for adolescent readers.
In writing this memoir, Woodson drew inspiration from the poetry of Langston Hughes.
Brown Girl Dreaming won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2014.
Woodson’s memoir also won a NAACP Image Award, a Coretta Scott King Author Award, a Newbery Honor, and a Sibert Honor.
Brown Girl Dreaming earned a spot on TIME magazine’s Top 10 YA Books of 2014, NPR’s Great Reads list, and the BBC's list of the 100 Best Children's Books of the 21st Century.
About the Author
Jacqueline Woodson is an acclaimed American author known for her powerful books exploring themes of race, gender, class, and identity. Born in 1963 in Ohio, Woodson spent her formative years split between South Carolina and Brooklyn, experiences that deeply influenced her writing. She discovered her passion for storytelling at a young age, penning tales on everything from paper bags to sidewalks.
Woodson's breakout success came with her 1990 debut novel Last Summer with Maizon. Since then, she has written dozens of books for children, young adults, and adults, including the National Book Award-winning memoir Brown Girl Dreaming. Her works often feature African-American characters and tackle complex social issues with nuance and hope. Some of her most celebrated titles include Miracle's Boys, Feathers, and Another Brooklyn.
In addition to receiving the National Book Award, Woodson has been recognized for her work with the Coretta Scott King Author Award and the NAACP Image Award. She is a four-time Newbery Honor recipient. From 2015 to 2017, she served as the Young People's Poet Laureate. In 2018, the Library of Congress named her the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. She was awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 2020.
Beyond her writing, Woodson is passionate about nurturing the next generation of diverse voices in literature. She teaches teens at writing workshops and has established a residency program for artists of color. Woodson lives in Brooklyn with her partner and their two children. She continues to write prolifically.
