Family & Roots
This family member gets hospitalized for digesting lead-based paint.
Who is Roman?
Jacqueline begins to see herself as this kind of person, even before others recognize it. (what she wants to be when she grows up)
What is a writer?
After moving to New York, Jacqueline lives in this borough.
What is Brooklyn?
One major theme in this section is about finding your ________.
What is voice / identity?
In the poem “chemistry,” Woodson describes her brother Hope’s fascination with science (186-187). What similarity between Hope and Woodson does this poem illustrate?
They both had interests that allowed them to imagine a different reality.
Jacqueline’s grandfather has lasting impact on the family. What name did they lovingly call him?
Who is Daddy Gunnar?
What does Jacqueline start carrying around to write her poems and ideas?
What is a composition notebook?
This is the reason the Woodsons moved from the first home they had in New York.
What is Aunt Kay's Death?
Jacqueline learns that even when she feels different, her words can make her feel ______.
What is powerful / seen / connected?
In the poem “stevie and me,” what impact did the book Stevie have on Woodson (227-228)?
She realized that she had a story worth telling.
This event/visit in the book symbolizes Jacqueline’s connection to both her Southern roots and her family’s traditions.
What is her trip back to South Carolina?
Jacqueline struggles with reading in school but finds strength in this creative outlet.
What is writing poetry / storytelling?
How has Woodson’s relationship with her father’s side of the family changed since she was born?
Woodson has grown distant from them
The contrast between North and South highlights what theme in the book?
What is belonging and identity / finding home in two places?
Which of the following best expresses Woodson’s attitude in “eve and the snake” (179-180)?
confused about why women can’t give Sunday sermons
Jacqueline and her siblings are raised with values from both the North and the South. What challenge does this create for them?
What is feeling torn between two worlds / identities?
How does Jacqueline’s best friend Maria support her dream of writing?
Who encourages and listens to her poems / believes in her talent?
What new friend helps Jacqueline feel more at home in her new city?
Who is Maria?
How does Jacqueline’s writing help her deal with challenges?
What is it helps her express emotions and make sense of her world?
What does the structure of the poem “tomboy” reveal about Woodson (211)?
Woodson’s interests contrast with Dell’s.
What role did Uncle Robert play in Woodson’s life?
Uncle Robert brought excitement to Woodson’s life and encouraged her to tell stories.
How did Roman’s illness affect Woodson?
She began to feel their home wasn’t complete without Roman.
How does the city influence Jacqueline’s writing and imagination?
What is it gives her new stories, people, and perspectives to write about?
When Jacqueline says she “believes in the power of words,” what does that reveal about her growth?
What is she has found confidence and purpose as a writer?
What shift in Woodson’s thinking does the poem “reading” on page 226 reveal?
She was beginning to value the ways she differs from her family.