Book Review 1

Miracle’s Boys
By: Jacqueline Woodson

Biography of Author: Jacqueline loved to write from a young age and would write on anything she could, from sidewalks to school binders, even a building. She also loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen, whether the stories were true or not. She finally was noticed as a great writer in fifth grade, but not until she was accused of not writing a work that was indeed hers. She finally got recognition for her poem and since then has continued to write. She says it still surprises her to see her books in stores, even now.

Summary of Book: Lafayette is a young boy living with his two older brothers in the apartment that once held a whole family. With his middle brother, Charlie, returning home from a boys’ home; and not returning the brother he remembered, Laf wishes more than ever that life was back to the way it used to be. He misses his mom and the old Charlie that he was once so close to. With his oldest brother, Ty’ree working long hours to provide for the three, Laf feels rather alone, while struggling with how his past has altered his future. While living the strain of his family falling apart in front of him he worries things will never be happy again. Does Charlie finally stay out of trouble? Does Lafayette begin to understand his past and happy with his brothers in his present?

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award and Los Angeles Times Book Prize

Analysis of Book: This is a great book for tween and teen readers. It reaches out to any child struggling with trials in the home; from loss of parents, to fights with siblings, and more. It is well written, in that it covers a very short span of time, but really allows the reader to get to know Lafayette and his struggles. It is a book that any young reader can relate to in some way and makes for an easy, yet interesting read. Though some of the situations throughout the book might be hard to hear about, they are all well written into the story at a level students will understand. I enjoyed this book and all the discussion content it has to offer!

This review can be found at Borders.