Summary:
It's 1971 and Frannie is a sixth grade student at a predominantly African-American middle school. When a new white student nicknamed "The Jesus Boy" begins attending, Frannie's friendship with him makes her start to have a different view of life.
Critical Analysis:
Feathers was a really interesting novel to me as its setting is 1971 and I myself grew up in the seventies. Much like Frannie, I also attended a school that was all one race and can relate to the feelings that some of her classmates had when someone they considered very "different" suddenly entered their midst.
Discussion of race plays a major part in this novel. The "Jesus Boy" is white as snow but has black (adoptive) parents. The class bully, Trevor, who calls Jesus Boy "white boy," is himself biracial and light-skinned. Even though the classmates can be pretty disrespectful of each other and their respective backgrounds, Woodson writes about both races in a respectful, understanding manner. Readers can empathize with "Jesus Boy" and the love he feels for his parents even though they do not share the same racial background.
Religion is another subject Woodson delves into in the novel. The "Jesus Boy" is quiet, calm and patient thoroughout most of the novel and Frannie's friend, Samantha, even comes to believe he may be the Christian savior. Frannie has been studying the Emily Dickenson poem that states "hope is a thing with feathers/that perches in the soul" and, when she sees the Jesus Boy's effect on his classmates, she almost begins to believe Samantha may be right. That changes when he has a hateful confrontation with Trevor and she sees that his is human and makes mistakes like everyone else.
Frannie's home and family, including a deaf brother, are full of love and laughter. She wrestles with despair at her brother's issues as well as the three miscarriages her mother - who is now pregnant again - has had. Frannie questions her own prejudices, her own beliefs and, in the end, the novel ends on a hopeful note that things are going to be alright for her.
Book Review Excerpts:
"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." - D. Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH. Reviewed April 1, 2007 in School Library Journal - Vol. 53, issue 4, p. 152.
"Set in 1971, Woodson's novel skillfully weaves in the music and events surrounding the rising opposition to the Vietnam War, giving this gentle, timeless story depth. She raises important questions about God, racial segregation and issues surrounding the hearing-impaired with a light and thoughtful touch." Charlotte Sheedy - Staff (Reviewed January 8, 2007 in Publishers Weekly Vol. 254, issue 2, p. 51).
"Woodson captures perfectly the questions and yearnings of a girl perched on the edge of adolescence, a girl who readers will take into their hearts and be glad to call their friend." - Kirkus Reviews, February 1, 2007).
Awards:
ALA Notable Children's Books - Older Readers Category: 2008
Oprah's Kids' Reading Lists - New Releases: 10-to-12 Years
Connections/Further Activities:
Share short segments of age-appropriate documentaries about the Vietnam War-era/early 1970's to give students a "feel" for the time period Feathers is set in.
Discuss what it must feel like to be the only one of a certain group (race, sex, religion) in a group of those different from them. Ask students if they've ever experienced that personally or encountered it in school or social groups and have them describe the situation. This can lead to a discussion on acceptance on those different from us and anti-bullying efforts.
Read-A-Likes:
Keeping Safe the Stars - Sheila O'Connor
Coming On Home Soon - Jacqueline Woodson
Next-Door Neighbors - Sarah Ellis
Gold Dust - Chris Lynch
Under the Blood-Red Sun - Graham Salisbury
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