Woodson, Jacqueline (2008). Feathers. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group. 2008 Newbery Honor Book
Frannie is a sixth grader in 1971. A war is raging on the other side of the world, and many things are happening and changing right in her home, her school, and neighborhood. When a new boy appears in school, he seems so out of place, but in a hopeful kind of way. Her deaf brother Sean also adds a new dimension to understanding all that is going on around and inside Frannie. Woodson adds a touch of Emily Dickinson's "feathers of hope" throughout the book which makes Frannie's story very uplifting despite all the tensions going on.
I really enjoyed reading this short novel jam-packed with deep insights and deep characters. The story made me reflect upon many things, and it inspired me despite the book's sad undertone. I came to truly feel for each character because Woodson showed them to be very vulnerable and real to me. Despite some very hurtful episodes and issues, dignity, charitable humanity,and hope surely shine through in this deeply moving plot.
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