Feathers, by Jacqueline Woodson, 2007
Woodson, Jacqueline.
Feathers. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2007. ISBN13: 978-0-399-23989-2
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| Cover design by Linda McCarthy, image from goodreads.com |
Ages 12 and up
Prejudice, bullying,
family drama, faith (or the lack thereof), and hope. Author Jacqueline Woodson takes on all
of these issues in her thoughtful Newbery Honor novel Feathers.
Woodson weaves this
story together in short chapters through the eyes of Frannie, an 11-year-old African-American
sixth-grade girl, who is a loving sister and daughter. She knows she isn’t good
at science, math, and geography, and she doesn’t have faith in
much of anything. But could it be possible that the
reincarnation of Jesus may have recently joined her class? The reader can
sympathize with Frannie’s many struggles and conflicts during a record-breaking
winter in her urban neighborhood on the “wrong side of the highway." Woodson captures the essence of Frannie’s anxieties with her concise prose. The reader will
appreciate her authentic writing, which includes Frannie using “jive talk,” to
her grandmother’s chagrin. There is not a major problem in the story’s plot –
Frannie is dealing with many issues in her young life, including her brother’s
deafness and her mother’s miscarriages. And yet, even though everything is not
settled by the end of the story, the reader will realize the meaning of the line from the
Emily Dickinson poem from which Woodson got the name for this book: “Hope is
the thing with feathers….”
Reading/writing/history
connections:
- This story should be very relatable for many upper elementary and middle school students. They could write about how they related and felt as they read about the problems Frannie was experiencing. Then they could write about the serious issues in their own lives. Teachers should be aware that such a writing assignment could bring up strong emotions for students, which could be difficult to share in a whole group. Also, consider bringing your school’s counselor in to discuss how Frannie copes with her problems, which would lead a discussion of how your students deal with their own issues.
- Bullying is a strong theme in the story, and it has become a topic of national focus. Have your students ever been bullied? Or been a bully? Or witnessed bullying? This story is a wonderful introduction to the topic, and you can have students write about their experiences with bullying, from any perspective. What do they think could decrease bullying at your school?
- The story is set in the year 1971. Students studying history during that period would probably find it interesting to find out what the major issues of the day were back then. They would probably enjoy seeing what fashion, hairstyles, etc. were like, in order to get a clearer picture of what life was like during Frannie’s year in sixth grade.
Awards:
- Newbery Honor Book (2008)
Reviews:
“Set in 1971,
Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the
rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth.
She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues
surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch.”
–Publisher’s Weekly, starred review
“With her usual
talent for creating characters who confront, reflect, and grow into their own
persons, Woodson creates in Frannie a strong protagonist who thinks for herself
and recognizes the value and meaning of family. The story ends with hope and
thoughtfulness while speaking to those adolescents who struggle with race,
faith, and prejudice. They will appreciate its wisdom and positive connections.”
–School Library Journal, starred review
If you want to learn
more about author Jacqueline Woodson, here is a link to her website:
Here’s a link to the Feather's book trailer she created:
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