Jacqueline Woodson

Woodson's seventh grade English teacher returned her first short story to her with the comment, "You are the real thing." This work explores how Woodson became "the real thing," why she deserves to be acknowledged as one of the finest writers for young adults today, who her literary mentors have been, and how her family history has helped to shape her as an artist, beginning with the success of her first novel, Last Summer with Maizon. Its appearance in 1990 marked Woodson's arrival on the literary scene for young adults. Over the past decade, Woodson has made a steady contribution to the field, providing quality literature for both younger and older adolescents and tackling difficult themes in the process. Additionally, Woodson has published numerous short stories, essays and commentaries, a novel for adults, and children's picture books. In 1994, she compiled A Way Out of No Way: Writings About Growing Up Black in America, a collection of excerpts of writers from Baldwin to Bambura. These writers inspired her as a young reader and continue to be role models for her as she herself uses the art of writing to provide a "way out of no way" for other young readers, pointing a "beautiful black finger toward a holy, holy place" (p. 3). As Woodson has taken an increasing number of risks with her themes, she has also continued to develop as an artist. Her body of work makes a distinctive contribution to the young adult literary world and clearly demonstrates both the writer's commitment to young adults and her ability to continue to grow as a writer; this volume includes a critical analysis of how Woodson's life and work intertwine and of the themes and her own goals as a writer and artist. As Woodson herself notes," I feel compelled to write against stereotypes, hoping people will see that some issues know no color, class, sexuality. . . . I write from the very depth of who I am, and in this place there are all of my identities."

Woodson's seventh grade English teacher returned her first short story to her with the comment, _You are the real thing_ (1). Jacqueline Woodson: _The Real Thing_ explores how Woodson became _the real thing,_ why she deserves to be acknowledged as one of the finest writers for young adults today, who her literary mentors have been, and how her family history has helped to shape her as an artist, beginning with the success of her first novel, Last Summer with Maizon.

Teri S. Lesesne - VOYA

Stover introduces readers to the writing of Jacqueline Woodson by telling of her first encounter with this award-winning author of young adult novels, children's books, and essays. Stover heard Woodson present at a conference and was intrigued by the author's honesty and by her ability to articulate what she attempts to do in her writing. After a brief preface and a chronology of the author's major life events, Stover devotes chapters to critical analyses of the works of Woodson. Rather than delving into pedantic terminology and obtuse literary references, Stover maintains the intimate tone of her preface by using events from the author's life and demonstrating their effect on Woodson's prose and poetry. Chapters discuss issues of homelessness, isolation, and friendship. Each chapter focuses on specific works and how they demonstrate the various themes of power, loss, friendship, romance, and others that Woodson explores in her writing. A selected bibliography includes not only the works of Woodson but also other critical sources such as book reviews and articles written about Woodson and her writing. Students who are interested in learning more about this particular author will find plenty of information that will illuminate second and deeper readings of her works. Teachers searching for ways to help make connections among the books will find Stover's work of great value. Being able to catch a rare personal glimpse of this remarkable writer makes this professional book from the Scarecrow Studies in Young Adult Literature series a worthwhile resource. 2003, Scarecrow Press, 208p.; Index. Biblio. Source Notes. Chronology., $44 PLB. Ages 17 to Adult.

Lois Thomas Stover is Chair of Educational Studies at St. Mary's College of Maryland where she teaches courses in pedagogy, educational psychology, and children's and young adult literature. She has served as president of the Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English.