Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson

Summary

Three-time Newberry Honor author Jacqueline Woodson delivers a novel about three brothers who are learning to cope with the untimely losses of both their father and mother and the struggles that come along with poverty, breaking the law, and having to grow up sooner than expected. Set in Manhattan, New York, this novel adequately depicts the heartache and frustration a real family might feel in a similar situation. Through the character of Ty'ree, Woodson captures how a very bright student would feel if he was suddenly pushed into the role of a parent and has to give up his dream of going to school. Through the character of Charlie (also referred to as Newcharlie in the novel), Woodson depicts the frustration and anger of a young boy who suffers from the realization that he was not present when either of his parents passed away and could do nothing to prevent it from happening. And finally, through the voice of the narrator, thirteen year old Lafayette, we see how it feels to have a brother who both ignores and dislikes you, to realize your socio-economic status is of the lower class, and to feel as if you are being blamed for the circumstances of your family. In the midst of everything, though, we embrace the moment when redemption is attained. Among the themes for this novel is the importance of family to get through difficult times.

Personal Reflections

I read this novel in one sitting from cover to cover. I found it to be very realistic. Woodson writes in a way that allowed me to play a movie in my mind of what was happening. Her characters are beautifully developed with real emotions, hardships, and thoughts. One might compare the story to S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, although the similarity would mainly be in that both are the stories of orpahned siblings being raised by the oldest brother. We see a second similarity in the socio-economic status of the families. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommended it to a student who checked it out immediately after I put it back on the shelf. A second student checked out Feathers, also by Woodson, because of the recommendation I gave Miracle's Boys. Read it and enjoy. This story is something both kids and adults, male and female, would appreciate. A quick read because it's not too lengthy and goes by very quickly. Check it out today!