Brown Girl Dreaming

by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1631
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781510111745
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-04-27
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Brown Girl Dreaming is a mesmerizing account of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood, offering a unique perspective on the Civil Rights era and the personal journey of self-discovery. Through vivid poetry and prose, Woodson shares her experiences of moving between different places and finding her voice as a writer. The book is not just a personal narrative but also a reflection on family, identity, and the search for belonging in a changing world. It has been celebrated for its emotional depth and universal appeal, resonating with readers of all ages.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · 2023-06-11
touching 4.50

The friendship between Jacqueline and Maria is beautifully depicted, adding depth to the narrative. The book's poetic style makes it a memorable and impactful read.

The reviewer highlights the beautiful portrayal of Jacqueline's friendship with Maria, which adds a touching layer to the story. They appreciate the poetic style of the book, which makes it both memorable and impactful. The reviewer also notes how the book captures the essence of childhood experiences and emotions, making it a poignant read. The reviewer finds the book to be a profound exploration of identity and belonging, making it a must-read for those who enjoy deeply personal and reflective literature.

Quick quotes

    One of my favourite relationships in the story is the friendship between Jacqueline and her friend Maria which is very beautifully depicted.

    The book's poetic style makes it a memorable and impactful read.

    The book captures the essence of childhood experiences and emotions.

KidSpirit · 2020-10-18
authentic 4.00

The book is praised for its authentic and colorful collection of verse, making it suitable for all ages. The reviewer gives it a high rating for its emotional depth and artistic expression.

The reviewer at KidSpirit commends Brown Girl Dreaming for its authentic and colorful collection of verse, making it a suitable read for all ages. They highlight the book's emotional depth and artistic expression, which resonate deeply with readers. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of identity and personal growth, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. The reviewer also appreciates the way Woodson's poetry captures the nuances of the human experience, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Suitable for all those craving an authentic and colorful collection of verse.

    Woodson effectively describes the emotional depth and artistic expression in her poetry.

    The book is a powerful exploration of identity and personal growth.

The New York Times · 2014-08-22
timeless 4.50

The poems in the book are described as deeply moving and meant to be learned by heart. The reviewer finds them to be timeless and deeply impactful.

The New York Times reviewer describes the poems in Brown Girl Dreaming as deeply moving and meant to be learned by heart. They find the poetry to be timeless and deeply impactful, capturing the essence of Woodson's experiences in a way that resonates with readers. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to evoke strong emotions and its exploration of themes such as identity, family, and belonging. The reviewer also notes that the book's poetic style makes it a unique and memorable read, one that will stay with readers for years to come.

Quick quotes

    This is a book full of poems that cry out to be learned by heart.

    These are poems that will, for years to come, be stored in our bloodstream.

    The book's poetic style makes it a unique and memorable read.

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