Feathers By Jacqueline Woodson

1.  Bibliography
Woodson, Jacqueline.  2007.  FEATHERS.  New York:  G.P. Putman's Sons.  ISBN 9780399239892


2.  Plot Summary
Frannie's teacher introduces a poem by Emily Dickson to the class about hope.  A new boy everyone calls Jesus is the new kid at school.  He is white instead of African American and the other students are confused why he is going to their school instead of the one across the tracks.  Frannie's best friend Samantha believes that the boy might actually be Jesus.  At home Frannie's brother is deaf and her mom is pregnant.  She worries that her mom will have trouble with the baby.  Through the course of the school year Frannie's perspective starts to change and she may find hope where she least expects it.


3.  Critical Analysis
The author creates a story that takes place in the 1970's.  The world is changing, but there is still segregation between the African Americans and the white Americans.  A white boy starts going to school on one side of the tracks where he is a different color from the rest of his classmates.  The African American culture is identified in this novel by the description of their skin color and hair.  Several times in the story they mention the Black Panthers and talk jive to each other.  These references help identify the culture and time period the story takes place in.
The plot of the story is intriguing and interesting to see unfold.  Everyone needs hope in their life.  Frannie sees the feather that is hope when no one else sees it.  The story has a wonderful moral and gives the reader a new look at hope too.

4.  Review Excerpts
Received NEWBERY HONORS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW, "Gr 4-7-Sisi Aisha Johnson brings to life not just the distinct characters in Jacqueline Woodson's complex coming of age story (Putnam, 2007), but its poetry as well."
PUBLISHER WEEKLY REVIEW, "Subtle changes in inflections distinguish the many characters' voices in a skillful performance that enlarges the book's already wide appeal."

5.  Connections
*This story could be used when teaching children American history from the 1970's.  They could read the book to gain a perspective of what life was like for African American children and their families.
*Other books about African Americans friendships, families and school:
Binns, B.A.  PULL.  ISBN 1934813435
Fusco, Kimberly Newton.  THE WONDER OF CHARLIE ANNE.  ISBN 0375861041
Jones, Traci L.  SILHOUETTED BY THE BLUE.  ISBN 0374369143