 |
Feathers
1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2007. Feathers. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 978-0399239892
2. PLOT SUMMARY
In the 1970s, an all-African American school enrolls a new student who happens to be light-skined and different than the other students. The students are all to aware of the new student's long blond hair and waste no time in pointing out his differences and nickname him "Jesus Boy." Frannie is fascinated by the new boy because he knows sign language, but is still hesitant to befriend him. After the new boy considers entering a physical altercation with the school bully, students begin to see him in a new light. Throughout the book, Frannie questions the presence of "Jesus Boy", how he affects her friends' faith and their out look on life.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Award winning and critically acclaimed author, Jacqueline
Woodson focuses this book on the 1970s when desegration was required by
law. Historically, this is an important element because the appearance of a light skin boy would not necessarily give such pause to the other children in a story set in a different time frame. However, this reaction clearly demonstrates that the setting of the story is in a neighborhood that is composed of predominantly African Americans. The appearance of a light skinned child is outside of the norm and the children react in a manner that can almost be expected.
It is clear that Frannie has been deeply affected by her mother’s miscarriages and her brother’s deafness. The inclusion of a disabled African American character creates a genuineness that can not be fabricated. There are no issues with the credibility of the characters and, for the most part, they are not written in a stereotypical or superficial manner.
Interestingly, the issues that the school bully, Trevor, has with the new student, “Jesus Boy” may very well be based on the fact that Trevor is no longer the lightest skinned student in the school. This depiction of Trevor is indicative of the self-esteem issues that may arise from differences in physical characteristics indicative of racial background.
Interestingly, the issues that the school bully, Trevor, has with the new student, “Jesus Boy” may very well be based on the fact that Trevor is no longer the lightest skinned student in the school. This depiction of Trevor is indicative of the self-esteem issues that may arise from differences in physical characteristics indicative of racial background.
Some of the underlying meaning may be lost of younger
readers, and possibly even older readers. While older readers may grasp that Woodson was attempting promote
hope, the younger readers that are drawn to the relatively short, 118 page book
will undoubtedly not grasp this idea. Overall, the book was well-written, but it is
possible that Jacqueline Woodson’s previous novels have made this book more
successful that it deserves.
4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
- Newbery Award - Honor 2008
- ALA Notable Books for Children - Winner 2008
- Georgia Children's Book Award - Nominated 2009
- Garden State Teen Book Award - Nominated 2010
- Brooklyn Public Library Mock Newbery - Honor 2008
Starred review from Publishers Weekly: "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."
Starred review from School Library Journal: "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."
Starred review from Booklist: "There's a lot going on in this small, fast-moving novel that introduces big issues--faith, class, color, prejudice, family, disability, and friendship. Woodson tells her story with immediacy and realism..."
5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books by Jacqueline Woodson
Beneath a Meth Moon. ISBN 978-0142423929After Tupac and D Foster. ISBN 978-0142413999
Hush. ISBN 978-0142415511
Neri, Randy Duburke. Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty. ISBN 978-1584302674
Volponi, Paul. Black and White. ISBN 978-0142406922
Jimenez, Francisco. Breaking Through. ISBN 978-0618342488Volponi, Paul. Black and White. ISBN 978-0142406922
*Book Trailer
Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson