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Nov 18, 2017Starpoem rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I've read novels in verse before, but this is the first time that I've read a memoir in verse. Poetry is a suitable vehicle for conveying the impressionistic quality of childhood memories, making it a great choice of format for this memoir of Woodson's early years. Born in Ohio in 1963, author Jacqueline Woodson later moved to South Carolina and then to New York City, so she experienced some interesting places and times. She brings them all to life deftly in her poetry. One interesting thing about Woodson is that she struggled to learn to read and write. So many authors were gifted readers and writers from an early age. It's refreshing for us "mere mortals" to see that hard work and motivation can also be paths to success. The poetry in this book is filled with the music of Woodson's memories. It will send you scurrying to look up old Soul Train clips and dance along with them. Overall, this is a positive, optimistic book about family, friendship, and dealing with life's challenges. I would recommend it for all ages.