Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson

Introduction

Harbor Me is a poignant middle-grade novel by Jacqueline Woodson, published in 2018. Known for her lyrical prose and emotionally resonant storytelling, Woodson crafts a powerful narrative about six children who, through weekly unsupervised conversations, find solace and understanding in one another. The novel explores themes of immigration, racism, incarceration, and identity while emphasizing the importance of empathy, friendship, and storytelling.

This book has been widely praised for its ability to address difficult topics in an accessible and heartfelt way, making it an essential read for young audiences and adults alike.

Plot Summary

The story is told from the perspective of Haley, a biracial sixth-grader who has been raised by her white uncle while her Black father serves time in prison. As she reflects on her experiences, she recalls the special bond she formed with five of her classmates during their weekly meetings in the ARTT room—"A Room to Talk"—where they were given the freedom to discuss whatever was on their minds.

Each of the six children carries their own burdens:

• Esteban, a Dominican-American boy, fears for his family after his father is detained by ICE.
• Amari, a Black boy, struggles with the reality that, because of his race, he is no longer allowed to play with toy guns.
• Tiago, a Puerto Rican student, feels torn between his two languages and experiences anti-Latinx racism.
• Ashton, the only white student, faces bullying and slowly realizes the privileges he has compared to his friends.
• Holly, Haley’s best friend, is energetic and confident but grapples with ADHD.
• Haley, the narrator, wrestles with her father's incarceration and the changes in her home life as her uncle prepares to move out.

Over the course of their meetings, these six children open up to one another, forming a unique and supportive bond. They come to understand that being a "harbor" for someone—offering a safe space for them to share their fears, dreams, and struggles—is one of the greatest gifts they can give.

Strengths of the Novel

1. A Safe Space for Difficult Conversations

One of the most remarkable aspects of Harbor Me is its exploration of real-world issues through the voices of children. Woodson does not shy away from difficult subjects such as deportation, racism, police brutality, and economic insecurity. Instead, she presents them in a way that is digestible for young readers, showing how these systemic issues affect children on a personal level.

By allowing the characters to speak freely in the ARTT room, Woodson creates a space where they can process their emotions and learn from one another. This mirrors the kind of conversations that educators, parents, and young readers should be having about these topics in real life.

2. Poetic and Accessible Writing

Woodson’s background in poetry is evident in the novel’s lyrical prose. She uses repetition, rhythm, and metaphor to enhance the emotional depth of the story. For example, Haley’s reflections on memory and storytelling add a dreamlike quality to the narrative, making it both powerful and immersive.

Another stylistic choice is the use of italics instead of traditional quotation marks for dialogue, reinforcing the conversational and reflective nature of the book.

3. A Diverse and Relatable Cast of Characters

Each of the six children represents a different facet of the struggles faced by marginalized communities in America. Their distinct voices and experiences make the book highly relatable, offering readers from all backgrounds a chance to see themselves in the story.

Despite their differences, the children form a close-knit community, showing the power of shared understanding. This makes Harbor Me an important book for fostering empathy in young readers.

4. Themes of Friendship, Empathy, and Storytelling

The novel highlights the importance of listening—both to others and to ourselves. By sharing their fears and struggles, the children learn that they are not alone. They also learn to support one another in meaningful ways, demonstrating the true essence of friendship.

The idea of being a "harbor" for someone—offering them safety, acceptance, and kindness—is a central and beautifully executed metaphor throughout the novel.

5. Encouraging Reflection and Discussion

Because of its open-ended and introspective storytelling, Harbor Me encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences and the world around them. It is an excellent book for classroom discussions and book clubs, as it raises important questions about race, privilege, and justice.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Lack of a Strong Plot

Unlike many middle-grade novels that rely on action-driven narratives, Harbor Me is more of a character study. Some readers might find the book slow or wish for a more structured plot with clear resolutions. However, the novel’s strength lies in its conversations rather than in external conflict.

2. Underdeveloped Side Characters

While each child has a unique story, some characters feel less fleshed out than others. Given the book’s brevity (less than 200 pages), there is limited space for deep character development. Readers may find themselves wanting to learn more about the children’s lives outside of the ARTT room.

3. Simplified Resolutions

The book presents heavy topics but does not always delve deeply into their long-term consequences. Some readers might feel that certain issues, such as Esteban’s father’s detainment, are not given the resolution they deserve. However, this mirrors real life, where complex problems do not always have neat endings.

Final Verdict

Harbor Me is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that provides young readers with a space to explore real-world issues through the voices of relatable characters. While it may not follow a traditional plot structure, its heartfelt messages about friendship, empathy, and resilience make it a must-read.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Middle-grade readers who enjoy character-driven stories.
• Educators and parents looking for books that encourage discussions about race, immigration, and social justice.
• Fans of Jacqueline Woodson’s poetic and thought-provoking storytelling.

Who Might Struggle with This Book?

• Readers who prefer fast-paced or action-heavy narratives.
• Those looking for a traditional plot with clear resolutions.

Conclusion

Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me is a quiet yet powerful novel that encourages readers to be a safe space for others. Through its diverse cast and heartfelt storytelling, the book fosters empathy and understanding, making it an important addition to middle-grade literature. It is not just a story about six children—it is a call to listen, to share, and to be a harbor for those in need.