Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Newbury Honor Book: Feathers


Citation: Woodson, J. (2009). Feathers. New York: Puffin Books.

Questions:
1. What did you like or dislike about the book?
I liked the book because it “speaks” to young readers about race, faith, and prejudice; this book would be good to use for kids ages nine to twelve, or even older probably. The story is about a predominantly black middle school class in 1971. A pale, long-haired boy arrives one day and one of the students is convinced that he is Jesus. He tries to convince everyone that he is not white. This was just a unique story with an underlying message about race and religion. The book also teaches students to not judge a book by its cover.

2. What in your life may have influenced your reaction or response to this book?
Something in my life that may have influenced my reaction is the fact that this book teaches that you should not judge a book by its cover.

3. How would you compare this book to another book or books, or book or books by same author?
This book reminded me of other books that discuss racial segregation, such as Rosa Parks: My Story written by Rosa Parks. Another book is If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks by Faith Ringgold. Other books by the author are Visiting Day, Show Way (another Newbury Honor Book), and The Other Side.

4. What new thing (information or insight) did you learn about children's literature in reading this book?
I have never read any books about segregation that show an African American classroom. Usually, books show a white classroom and a black student feeling like an outsider. This would be a great book to use in any classroom.

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