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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
One-Sentence Summary: Toswiah’s—and her family’s—life is turned upside down when they all have to enter the Witness Protection Program.
Time/Setting: I’m actually not sure about the timeframe of this one, but I know it somewhere in the Noertheast.
Review: Jacqueline Woodson is definitely joining the ranks of my favorite authors. She just has such a lyrical way of putting ordinary yearnings, you know? I also appreciate that I can tell her characters are black, even without some of the dialects and ebonics that I’m used to in daily life. This book tackles a lot of different subjects, i.e., racism, identity, adolescence, friendship, without getting too preachy or going overboard. I’m even curious as to what became of Evie and her family after the book ended.
Favorite Character: Evie. She’s relatable, she wasn’t boy crazy, and she valued her friendships; all important qualities in worthy female protagonists.
Least Favorite Character: Hm, while I can’t fault the father for his actions and the consequences of his actions on his mental state, I kind of wanted him to be a bit stronger for his family. But, everybody ain’t able.
Favorite Quote: I laughed too hard at this nickname: “The boys here call me Neckbone, say that’s all I am—lots of bone with a little meat.” (p. 15) Also, the part about Cameron saying Toswiah didn’t know what love was because Toswiah was too young, Toswiah’s response was everything: “I’m old enough to know we only have one heart, I said. Love is love.” (p. 58) Ain’t it though?
Recommend?: Yes.
Re-read?: It’s possible.
Time/Setting: I’m actually not sure about the timeframe of this one, but I know it somewhere in the Noertheast.
Review: Jacqueline Woodson is definitely joining the ranks of my favorite authors. She just has such a lyrical way of putting ordinary yearnings, you know? I also appreciate that I can tell her characters are black, even without some of the dialects and ebonics that I’m used to in daily life. This book tackles a lot of different subjects, i.e., racism, identity, adolescence, friendship, without getting too preachy or going overboard. I’m even curious as to what became of Evie and her family after the book ended.
Favorite Character: Evie. She’s relatable, she wasn’t boy crazy, and she valued her friendships; all important qualities in worthy female protagonists.
Least Favorite Character: Hm, while I can’t fault the father for his actions and the consequences of his actions on his mental state, I kind of wanted him to be a bit stronger for his family. But, everybody ain’t able.
Favorite Quote: I laughed too hard at this nickname: “The boys here call me Neckbone, say that’s all I am—lots of bone with a little meat.” (p. 15) Also, the part about Cameron saying Toswiah didn’t know what love was because Toswiah was too young, Toswiah’s response was everything: “I’m old enough to know we only have one heart, I said. Love is love.” (p. 58) Ain’t it though?
Recommend?: Yes.
Re-read?: It’s possible.
Six word summary:
In all your getting, get understanding.
In all your getting, get understanding.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
This is a serious book. It deals with a LOT of difficult issues, especially for a child. Moving alone can be extremely hard, but this book deals with so much more than that. Police brutality, depression, new religious beliefs, attempted suicide, and many other factors. This wasn't easy. And it didn't end with a beautifully wrapped bow, but it was such a good read. It could be especially helpful for any child experiencing any aspect of this story, or anyone for that matter.
A beautiful, poignant YA novel; Woodson doing what she does best, which is examining a life post-trauma and showing readers that rebuilding is never easy but always possible and so very worthwhile. Deals with a number of issues - religion, police violence, racism, adolescence - with thoughtfulness and quiet courtesy. Another reason why Jacqueline Woodson is one of my personal favorite authors.
JACQUELINE WOODSON
After her dad speaks out against his fellow police officers that mercilessly shot a black boy in the street, Toswiah and her family are forced to leave their lives in Denver. Toswiah loses everything, her beloved home, her friends, and even her name. A heartbreaking story, this book questions the consequences of doing the right thing versus the consequence of race, and where this family fits in a world that is still struggling with equality.
I felt a certain affinity to this book due to the characters living in and loving Denver and missing it after they leave. Denver is the city I grew up in, and as I no longer live there, I definitely relate to those pangs of missing that side of the Rocky Mountains! I loved Toswiah as a character, and I think that all of the other characters in the story and their reactions to grief were varied and realistic. I liked where the book ended up, even though it was not the ending I expected, but I think Woodson did a great job at creating a specific situation that was ultimately relatable to many people due to the feeling behind the characters and their actions.
After her dad speaks out against his fellow police officers that mercilessly shot a black boy in the street, Toswiah and her family are forced to leave their lives in Denver. Toswiah loses everything, her beloved home, her friends, and even her name. A heartbreaking story, this book questions the consequences of doing the right thing versus the consequence of race, and where this family fits in a world that is still struggling with equality.
I felt a certain affinity to this book due to the characters living in and loving Denver and missing it after they leave. Denver is the city I grew up in, and as I no longer live there, I definitely relate to those pangs of missing that side of the Rocky Mountains! I loved Toswiah as a character, and I think that all of the other characters in the story and their reactions to grief were varied and realistic. I liked where the book ended up, even though it was not the ending I expected, but I think Woodson did a great job at creating a specific situation that was ultimately relatable to many people due to the feeling behind the characters and their actions.
I read this for school, but it was surprisingly good. The characters were able to make mistakes and learn from them which is huge, but the plot isn't something that is talked about a lot (ESPECIALLY in school). This book gave me a new perspective on multiple things, and I really think it was a great read!
Evie is no longer who she used to be. She used to be Toswiah, living in Denver, until her father witnessed two white cops shooting an unarmed black boy. Unable to stay silent, her father speaks up and the results forces their family into witness protection. As her family is falling apart at the seams, Evie tries to make some sense of what is happening to her and why. Jacqueline Woodson’s Hush illuminates the importance of family secrets, the importance of keeping quiet, and the importance of speaking up. Woodson complicates the relationship a young girl may have with herself and her family by adding a thrilling layer of having to erase all of who one used to be in order to survive. Told with an honest and provocative voice, this book is certain to please given its timely significance. Great for grades 5-8.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
In 2002 before "The Hate U Give," before the BLM movement, before the nationally and internationally televised news of police shootings of young unarmed black boys and men Jacqueline Woodson published "Hush." This book shows the effect on a different member of the community, a fellow police officer and his family; namely his youngest daughter. I think this book is a must read and adds an interesting perspective on an unfortunate reoccurring theme.
Toswiah, now known as Evie, and her family are in the witness protection program after her father testifies against two of his fellow cops. The family has leave everything behind, their names, belongings, family, and friends. Toswiah, who was named after her grandmother, takes great pride in her name and feels she looses a part of her in the transition. This is a short story of a young teen watching her family members and learning herself who they are on their own.
JHS
JHS