Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

When I scrolled through the list of award-winning books, I noticed Jacqueline Woodson's name appear multiple times. I have been a fan of her work for a while, but I have not gotten around to reading all of them. One of my favorite books I like to use in my classroom is Each Kindness. I think it helps students understand the power of their actions and how to treat everyone with respect. This book has won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Jane Addams Peace Award. Like all of Woodson's books, it sends a strong message of hope and change. It is now on my daughter's bookshelf in her nursery and I hope it also teaches her how to be kind to everyone because you may not get a second chance to.

Jacqueline Woodson is also the author of Show Way. This book won a Newbery Honor Medal, and I loved having the opportunity to read it this week. I wish I would have known about this book sooner! It is the perfect book to integrate with social studies topics like ancestry and heritage. What fascinates me about this story is that it is based on the author's life. She said that after her grandmother died and she became a mother herself, she wanted a way to hold on to all of the incredible history of the family. The term "show way" is a quilt that once served as a secret map for freedom-seeking slaves. All of the women in the family story were quilters, artists, and advocates of change. Not only is the story historical and informative about this period in history, but it is deeply personal to the author. It tells the story of the strong women that came before Woodson and the traditions that have been passed down through the generations. Although this book was a more serious read than Each Kindness, it still sends a powerful message. This story is a great way to remember the past but also celebrate possibilities for the future.  

One of my favorite things about Woodson's writing is how she writes in verse and utilizes repetition. This line was read over and over again and was powerful to read: "Loved that baby up so. Yes, they loved that baby up." Woodson also uses metaphors in a lot of her books and that is definitely the case here with the "show ways" or quilts. Each quilt represents the belief that there is a road to a better place and the stories behind it live on with each generation it gets passed through. I would love to use this book in my classroom and have students bring in their own family artifacts or an object that has shaped their lives. 

If you get the chance to snatch up either of these titles, I would highly recommend Woodson's work. Strong writing. Powerful message. 

My Childhood and Reading

My earliest memories with my family were all around books. Every night before bed was a story. Every morning during breakfast I’d bring a book to the table. Every car ride I’d bring a book along…until I realized how car sick I would get! Books were a staple in my house growing up and visits to the library were frequent. I still have many of my favorites and they are now in my daughter’s room or in my classroom for students to read. Goodnight Moon and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? were titles I read over and over again. I also loved nursery rhymes and classic fables as a young child. I also loved looking at the illustrations in any Eric Carle book.

I grew up as an early reader and enjoyed books. I feel like my love for reading started early on because of my experiences with my family. When I got to middle and high school though, this all seemed to change for me. I was given a list each year of classic novels to read, read them, took a test, and repeat. Although I love knowing that I've read so many famous classics and can check them off my "list", I don't feel like that enhanced my reading life. Now as an adult, I find I need to schedule time to read for pleasure.

My favorite thing about being a parent is being able to share all of these favorite stories and reading rituals with my daughter. She already loves reading a book after her bath and knows that it is a part of her routine. I can’t wait to share all of my favorite authors with her and be able to pass along everything I will learn in this course.