Jacqueline Woodson

This is was a unique book about a sixth grade girl and the way she views her life at school and home. Great representation of a deaf family member and their relationship. I would use in a class reading group or have in the class library for 4th and above.

This book was used as a read aloud for a fifth grade class. We stopped often to discuss some very adult questions/themes/issues. Where was the parents? Why wouldn't they answer the door? Why were the children taken away from home? Why was Bebe reluctant to see Aunt Gracie?
Did the children realize they were neglected? How do you know? There is a lot to unpack here, and the book will promote empathy through both beautiful writing and illustrations.

This is the authors’ memoir written in verse as she grows up during the civil rights movement. This does a great job talking about heavy topics like racism, loss of family, and incarceration in a real but not extreme way. Love the way the author finds her strengths and weaknesses and finds a love for writing. I would use this in a book club format or as a whole class book as it is short enough in length but would be great for discussion. 5th grade and up.

From Kirkus: "A poignant and achingly beautiful narrative shedding light on the price of a violent sport."