Feathers

Bibliography

Woodson, Jacqueline. Feathers. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2007. ISBN 9780142415504

Plot Summary

Jacqueline Woodson has created a fluid story about a sixth grade classroom whose routine is disrupted by a new kid. This new kid is white, but attends a predominantly black school on “the other side of the highway” in 1971. Feathers demonstrates depth and encourages reflection about complex issues. The narrator, Frannie, is only eleven, but has already dealt with a lot of issues. She has a deaf brother. Her mother suffered many miscarriages and now struggles with depression. Her father is often away. Woven into the story are Frannie’s contemplations about religion, being different, segregation, problems in the world, family, and growing up. 

Critical Analysis

There is a mixed focus for this story. It is mainly on Frannie’s inner dialogue, but it is also divided between the actions in the classroom, at home, and on the playground. Those places serve as a backdrop to Frannie’s analysis of her world as reflected through other people's reactions to these situations. Woodson offers a very believable analysis of these life experiences. 

Although the character didn't undergo a major revelation, it seemed she was on the crux of one: she’s trying to find her place in it all. Her reactions are clearly those of an eleven-year old, which increases the authenticity of Woodson’s story. Frannie admires the features of older people, since currently she is not feeling pretty or old enough. She tries to use new words she’s heard adults and older kids using; however, she doesn’t seem to want to grow up too fast. She enjoys where she is in the world and is taking it all in.

Woodson sets the time and place when Frannie refers to the music of the period, such as the Jackson Five. There are additional hints of culture, class, and time period through the use of jive, a reference to the Vietnam War, and the constant reference to what it would be like to live on the “other side of the highway.”

Woodson does a good job of using the weather to play into the characters mood and events in the story, such as grey snowfall during a low time and sunshine filling a room for a happier time. Overall, there is an ethereal feeling as the narrator goes in and out of the physical and into her thoughts. She is often dreaming and mulling over the world around her. She thinks about real life and real world problems through the eyes of an eleven year old. 

Personally, I would think about the audience before using this book. Very young children might not relate to some topics, such as miscarriage. However, for some mature children, this book could serve as a launching point to think about some complex issues. 

Review Excerpts

This book is a:

  -  Newbery Honor Book

  -  Publishers Weekly starred review

  -  School Library Journal starred review

  -  Booklist starred review

Publishers Weekly

“Narrator Frannie is fascinated with Emily Dickinson's poem, "Hope is the thing with feathers/ that perches in the soul," and grapples with its meaning…Frannie's keen perceptions allow readers to observe a ripple of changes. Because she has experienced so much sadness in her life (her brother's deafness, her mother's miscarriages) the heroine is able to see beyond it all—to look forward to a time when the pain subsides and life continues.” 

School Library Journal

“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. The story ends with hope and thoughtfulness while speaking to those adolescents who struggle with race, faith, and prejudice. They will appreciate its wisdom and positive connections.”

Connections

-  This book would be good for a discussion on cultural diversity or being different.