This audiobook is short and sweet, a memoir told in verse and narrated by Jacqueline Woodson herself! I found it lovely to listen to; sometimes with books in verse I find myself reading (in print) as I would a normal book, forgetting to consider the rhythm of the words. But listening to it, I was able to appreciate this aspect a lot more, as Woodson knows exactly where to put the emphasis and how to read it to the greatest effect.

.

Woodson recounts her childhood growing up a young Black girl in the 60s and 70s, the remnants of Jim Crow still lingering and the Civil Rights movement in full swing. It was super interesting to see this part of history through a child's eyes; she might not have fully grasped what was going on, but she still saw everything. She paints us a beautiful portrait of her rich family life, which was shared between South Carolina and New York, which needless to say provided very different environments for a young Jacqueline.

.

I just thought this book was a sheer delight. Woodson covers a vast array of emotions, from pain and heartbreak to joy and laughter. I particularly loved her descriptions of herself as a budding writer, always being told off for making up stories and having a cheeky response to everything. It made me smile and laugh and stop and think and is just a beautifully rendered memoir in verse. It's technically middle grade, but as with all great young adult and children's literature, it will be a joy for adults to read as well!

.

Highly recommend the audiobook! Although I wouldn't mind a physical copy to revisit some of my favourite parts.