Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson

Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul,
And sings the tune—without the words,
And never stops at all
—Emily Dickinson

This poem is printed at the beginning of Feathers by Jacqueline Woodson and is a major component of the subsequent story narrated by Frannie, an African-American sixth grader who is growing up in the seventies. Frannie details her life at home and at school and allows the reader to get insight into her thoughts and feelings. As the book progresses, Frannie comes to a new understanding of her peers and family. The arrival of the boy that is named Jesus Boy brings about Frannie’s enlightenment about the feelings of these individuals and her own feelings.

I really enjoyed this book. The author’s approach in addressing issues such as race, prejudice based on skin color and disability, and faith is very compelling and very moving. Frannie’s description of her brother Sean’s deafness and how he is treated as a result of this disability allows the reader to get a solid understanding of some of the challenges that deaf individuals experience. I could really relate to this aspect of the story because I have a cousin who is deaf. Frannie’s description of conversations and her use of sign language is an aspect of the story that was very relatable.

The issue of faith and trying to be Christ-like is another aspect of my life that allowed me to deeply connect with this story. The presence of the new kid in class, Jesus Boy, causes Frannie to more deeply explore the ideas of hope and faith. These are concepts that I explored in my youth and continue to explore in the present. I was moved by the examination of faith and hope that is presented throughout the book.

During most of the events in the story, Frannie and some of her classmates think that the Jesus Boy may actually be Jesus returning to earth. Events transpire, however, that lead them away from this conclusion. After the children have decided that Jesus Boy is not actually Jesus, Frannie and Samantha, Frannie’s best friend, have a very moving conversation about him and the events that have recently transpired. In this conversation, Frannie states:
Maybe there’s a little bit of Jesus inside of all of us. Maybe Jesus is just that something good or something sad or something…something that stays with us and makes us do stuff like help Trevor up even though he’s busy cursing us out. Or maybe…maybe Jesus is just that thing you had when the Jesus Boy first got here, Samantha. Maybe Jesus is the hope that you were feeling.
Feathers is an inspiring book that I truly enjoyed reading and plan to add to my classroom collection. The book is a great adventure that allows individuals of all ages to reflect upon their idea of hope and investigate their own personal faiths. I highly recommend reading this book.

Woodson, J. (2007) Feathers. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Newberry Honor Book