Family & People
Who is the author and narrator of the memoir?
Jacqueline Woodson.
In what city was Jacqueline born?
Columbus, Ohio.
What type of book is Brown Girl Dreaming?
Memoir.
What does the word memoir mean?
A true story about the author’s own life and experiences.
From whose point of view is the memoir told?
First person.
What are the names of Jacqueline’s brother and sister?
Hope and Odella.
What southern state is important to Jacqueline’s family?
South Carolina.
What does Jacqueline love that helps shape her future?
Words, stories, and writing.
What does Jacqueline learn from her family?
Family history, traditions, and a sense of belonging.
Why does the author use poetry instead of regular prose?
Poetry helps her express memories, emotions, and experiences.
What is the name of Jacqueline’s mother?
Mary Ann Irby
What New York City borough is Jacqueline's mother interested in moving to?
Brooklyn, New York.
What major movement for racial equality forms part of the historical background?
The Civil Rights Movement.
What does the title Brown Girl Dreaming suggest about Jacqueline?
Her identity as a Black girl and her hopes and dreams.
How can two siblings experience the same family differently?
They can have different feelings, memories, and perspectives.
What is the name of Jacqueline’s grandfather, known as Gunnar?
Gunnar Irby.
Why is the South important to Jacqueline’s family?
It is where her family has roots and where she learns about her relatives and heritage. He feels more loved in South Carolina than in Ohio.
Why does Jacqueline spend time living in South Carolina?
Her mother leaves her father and takes the children to be with family there.
Why are stories important in Jacqueline’s life?
They help preserve memories and connect her to her family and identity.
How does a person’s environment influence their identity?
Their surroundings, community, and experiences shape how they see the world and themselves.
How does Jacqueline’s family influence her childhood and identity in three ways?
Her family gives her love, traditions, stories, and a connection to her history.
How do Jacqueline’s experiences in the North and South differ?
She experiences different communities, traditions, and racial and social conditions. Answers may vary.
What dream begins to develop as Jacqueline grows older?
Her dream of becoming a writer.
What are two important themes in the memoir?
Identity and family. Other acceptable answers include race, belonging, memory, and the power of words.
How do family, place, and language shape Jacqueline’s identity?
Her family connects her to her heritage, her different homes shape her experiences, and language helps her express herself.