Feathers

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and racism.



Jacqueline Woodson is an American author celebrated for her lyrical prose and insightful explorations of social issues. She has written dozens of books, ranging from picture books for children to novels for middle grade readers, young adults, and adults. Brown Girl Dreaming (2014), a memoir in verse, details Woodson’s childhood, her family history, and her beginnings as a writer. Like Frannie, the protagonist of Feathers, Woodson grew up in New York City in the 1970s and loved poetry and storytelling from a young age. Woodson’s stories often delve into themes of racial identity and social justice. For example, Brown Girl Dreaming examines the disparate views on tackling racism held by the author’s parents and grandparents. The poet ultimately claims her writing as a revolutionary source of power. The memoir won many honors, including the National Book Award, the Newbery Honor Book Award, the Sibert Honor Book Award, and the Coretta Scott King Award. 

Like Feathers, After Tupac and D Foster (2008) is an acclaimed middle grade historical fiction novel.