One would think that authors have to speak as many words as possible to get their point through, but often with poetry it is finding just the right words. In the case of these authors, one can see that there are many different ways to express one’s thoughts. Here is a memoir in verse by Jacqueline Woodson, you should take note of. The book, Brown Girl Dreaming, will appeal to patrons that are from elementary school age to adulthood. Each poem is written in verse and, therefore, a great way to teach people to take in their environments in ways that Woodson has learned exquisitely.
Jacqueline Woodson is an author of 40+ books and the recipient of the National Young People’s Literature Award. One would have thought that she was an avid reader and writer as a child, but that wasn’t the case for Woodson. Her sister ended up being the reader in the family. Jacqueline Woodson had trouble reading due to her dyslexia. One thing that stood with her that helped her become an accomplished author is her ability to take in her surroundings. Through this memoir in verse, she spoke about her life growing up in the South and moving to Brooklyn, New York. She gives vivid insight and imagery through her words. The reader cannot help but be charmed by Woodson’s description of her early life and how she became the author that she is today despite the adversity that was in her way.
You can borrow Brown Girl Dreaming from eBCCLS and eLibraryNJ! If you love this book, Brown Girl Dreaming was previously featured on our ultimate book lovers list for kids and parents and great books in verse list, check out these previous blogs for more great ideas to read!
Written by:
Elbie Love
YA Library Associate
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
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