Literature Reviews - 2025

Book Review: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Introduction

Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir-in-verse by Jacqueline Woodson, published in 2014. It recounts her experiences growing up as an African American girl during the 1960s and 1970s, split between the segregated South and the fast-paced life of New York City. Written in free verse, the book captures themes of racial identity, family, memory, and the power of storytelling. It has won multiple awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Coretta Scott King Award, and a Newbery Honor.

This novel is a deeply personal yet universal story of self-discovery, belonging, and the journey of a young girl finding her voice.

Plot Summary

Woodson’s memoir begins with her birth in 1963, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. She describes her family’s roots in Ohio, their later move to South Carolina to live with her maternal grandparents, and eventually their relocation to Brooklyn, New York. The contrast between these two worlds—one steeped in the traditions of the South, the other full of the energy and challenges of the North—forms the foundation of her journey.

Through vignettes, she explores her family dynamics, her parents’ separation, her experiences with racism and segregation, and her growing love for language and storytelling. Her Jehovah’s Witness upbringing adds another layer of complexity, setting her apart from her peers and shaping her perspective on faith and discipline. The book follows her gradual realization that words and stories are her way of understanding the world and carving out her identity.

Strengths of the Novel

1. Poetic and Accessible Writing

One of Brown Girl Dreaming’s greatest strengths is its lyrical, free-verse format. Woodson’s writing is simple yet profound, using vivid imagery and rhythmic cadence to capture the emotions and experiences of childhood. The poetry makes the memoir feel deeply personal, as if the reader is flipping through Woodson’s own memory album.

Her style is accessible to both younger readers and adults, making complex themes like racial identity, family struggles, and self-doubt easier to grasp. The short, poetic passages allow readers to pause, reflect, and absorb the beauty of her words.

2. A Unique Perspective on the Civil Rights Era

Unlike many historical narratives about the Civil Rights Movement, Brown Girl Dreaming does not focus on major political figures or events. Instead, it presents the era through the eyes of a child, showing how systemic racism manifests in everyday life. Woodson describes the discomfort of sitting at the back of the bus because “it’s easier than having white folks look at me like I’m dirt” and the fear of speaking up in a world where Black voices are often silenced.

By weaving in personal memories—family conversations, the whispers of elders, and the awareness of injustice—Woodson makes history feel immediate and relatable.

3. Exploration of Identity and Belonging

Throughout the memoir, Woodson grapples with questions of identity. She is caught between the South and the North, between her mother’s rules and her grandmother’s traditions, between her love for storytelling and her struggles with reading in school. This duality reflects the broader experience of many children who feel pulled between different cultures, expectations, and versions of themselves.

Her friendship with Maria, a Puerto Rican girl, further explores themes of multiculturalism and shared struggles. The bond they form transcends race and language, highlighting the importance of connection in shaping identity.

4. Strong Family Bonds and Personal Growth

Family plays a central role in Brown Girl Dreaming. Woodson portrays her mother as a determined and hardworking woman, her grandfather as a wise and loving figure, and her siblings as sources of both rivalry and comfort. The warmth and struggles within her family make the story deeply moving and relatable.

Her journey toward becoming a writer is gradual and organic. She moves from listening to elders’ stories to scribbling in notebooks, to finally understanding that words are her calling. This theme of artistic growth makes the book particularly inspiring for young readers with creative aspirations.

5. Themes of Faith and Community

Woodson’s Jehovah’s Witness upbringing adds another layer of depth to the memoir. She describes the isolation she feels as a child who cannot celebrate birthdays or say the Pledge of Allegiance, but also the comfort she finds in faith and ritual. This aspect of her story sheds light on a lesser-explored religious experience in children’s literature.

Criticisms of the Novel

1. Lack of a Traditional Plot

Because Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir told in verse, it does not follow a traditional narrative structure with a clear conflict and resolution. Instead, it is a collection of memories and reflections. While this format allows for emotional depth, some readers may find the book slow or wish for a more conventional storyline.

2. Some Characters Could Be Further Explored

Woodson’s family members, particularly her siblings and father, play significant roles in her life, but some remain underdeveloped. Readers might crave more insight into their perspectives, particularly the complex relationship between Woodson and her father.

3. The Open-Ended Conclusion

Since this is a memoir of Woodson’s childhood rather than her entire life, the book does not provide a neatly wrapped-up ending. Some readers may find the conclusion unsatisfying, as it leaves many aspects of her future unexplored. However, this mirrors real life, where growth and self-discovery are ongoing processes.

Final Verdict

Brown Girl Dreaming is a beautifully written and deeply moving memoir that captures the complexity of growing up Black in America during the Civil Rights Movement. Jacqueline Woodson’s poetic storytelling makes her experiences feel both intimate and universal, allowing readers to see the world through her eyes. While the lack of a traditional plot may not appeal to all readers, the book’s themes of identity, resilience, and the power of words make it an essential read.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Middle-grade and young adult readers interested in memoirs and historical perspectives.
• Aspiring writers who want to see how storytelling shapes identity.
• Educators and parents looking for books that spark discussions about race, history, and self-expression.

Who Might Struggle with This Book?

• Readers who prefer fast-paced, plot-driven narratives.
• Those unfamiliar with free verse, though the poetry in this book is highly accessible.

Conclusion

Brown Girl Dreaming is more than a memoir—it is a love letter to storytelling, resilience, and the voices that shape us. Woodson masterfully captures the joys and pains of childhood, offering a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery. Whether you are a young reader navigating your own identity or an adult reflecting on the past, this book will leave a lasting impression.