Module 2 - FEATHERS by Jacqueline Woodson

Bibliography
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2007. FEATHERS. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 10-0142415502

Plot Summary
A young girl named Frannie lives with  her family in a predominantly black neighborhood in the 1970s.  She meets a new white boy at school, who seems very confident and sure of himself.  Frannie notices how he doesn't let the other kids' bullying bother him.  She also notices that he is able to use sign language which intrigues her because her older brother Sean is deaf.  This story is told from Frannie's point of view as she deals with racism, friendship, and religion. 

Critical Analysis
This story shows the slow changes and growth in the country after the Civil Rights movement in the sixties.  Woodson expresses the African-American culture through the language she uses in her writing.  Her word choice also helps the reader get a sense of the time period the story is set in.  Phrases such as "jive turkey" and "black power", as well as details like wearing an Afro and carrying around a pick with a "black power fist" on it help depict both the time period and the culture.  Woodson describes physical features such as skin color and hair (Afros and cornrows), the food such as chicken and greens, different organizations and events that happened during this time period that were important to African-Americans like Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA, The Jackson 5 and The 5th Dimension (musical groups).
Woodson also utilizes religion to express the culture of her characters.  Frannie's grandmother is a bible-toting, church goer who tries to help Frannie's faith by hitting her over the head with her bible.  Frannie's best friend's father is a preacher, and the kids at school call the new white boy, "Jesus Boy."  Frannie, however, is not very religious and will do whatever she can to get out of going to church.

Review Excerpts
*Newberry Honor Medal Winner

Publisher's Weekly Starred Review: "Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth. She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch."

School Library Journal Starred Review:  "With her usual talent for creating characters who confront, reflect, and grow into their own persons, Woodson creates in Frannie a strong protagonist who thinks for herself and recognizes the value and meaning of family."

Connections
Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. LOCOMOTION. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN 10-0142415529
(National Book Award Finalist)
Stead, Rebecca. 2009. WHEN YOU REACH ME.  New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN 10-0375850864  (Yearling Newberry)
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 10-0547534264