I just finished reading After Tupac and D Foster by children and young adult author Jacqueline Woodson and I am quite impressed with this story of homegirls, families, Tupac's legacy, Big Purposes, and all things in between. It was stunning. I loved how she paralleled the events in the last of two years of rapper Tupac's life with those of the characters in the story. Woodson has moved into my list of favourite authors. It all started earlier this year when I read her 2014 National Book Award-winning Brown Girl Dreaming which is was a touching masterpiece and then followed up with others. Then I read, Beneath A Meth Moon, If You Come Softly, Show Way, and Visiting Day. Jackie is such a talented and dynamic writer. She gets you so invested in the story, immediately, on the first page. She takes the stories in different directions, gently. Poetically. Never slamming you over the head despite the tough social issues she often writes about in her novels and picture books. Woodson's characters are as close and familiar as your circle of friends in middle school who had your back no matter what. I want my stories to be as impactful. I am looking forward to seeing the author speak live at Between the Lines: Renee Watson and Jacqueline Woodson on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 6:30pm in the Shomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
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