I discovered this lovely read at the Curriculum and Instructional Library on campus. Brown Girl Dreaming is the first book I have read by Jacqueline Woodson and it definitely will not be my last. This book brought me out of my reading slump because it is incredibly moving how personal Woodson wrote about her own life growing up in both the North and the South in the 60s and 70s. Although this novel in verse is intended for middle grade readers, anyone can read this book and learn from Woodson's vulnerability. I absolutely loved reading about Woodson's life, especially her poems about schools. My favorite poem from this novel in verse is called "First Grade" and a beautiful section of it is, "Nothing more perfect than my first-grade classroom. No one more kind than Ms. Feidler, who meets me at the door each morning, takes my hand from my sister's, smiles down and says, Now that Jacqueline is here, the day can finally begin. And I believe her. Yes, I truly believe her.

Little and Lion is a beautiful book that tackles so many aspects of life without seeming too informational or unreal. This book tells the story of two siblings who were brought together by their parents relationship and although they may differ in race, sexuality, and mental health, they have an understanding and love for one another that is unbreakable. Going into reading this book I knew it had LGBT characters but I was not expecting the author to have the main character be a woman of color who identifies as bisexual. Typically in the media, the diversity is brought by secondary characters, but Brandy Colbert made sure that readers could relate no matter who they are. I also really loved how this book incorporated sexuality into the story because it strayed away from the usual focus on being LGBT as the only defining characteristic of a character. Instead, Colbert wrote about incredibly diverse characters. This book also has a great theme in regard to mental health and how the stigma around mental health can be just as dangerous to a person as their thoughts and feelings themselves. Specifically, this book looks at bipolar disorder and how it is a specific experience for each person who may be living with it. Brandy Colbert wrote a novel so multifaceted but with such beauty and I believe it is a book that should be treasured and read by many even though it was intended for young adults. The messages this book conveys are ones that everyone needs to hear time and time again because no one should feel insecure about being themself.

I just finished this absolutely incredible and impactful book. I feel so fortunate to have been able to read this book along with listening to it as an audiobook edition. Every word that she wrote was so thoughtful and well laid out and I am so grateful to hear her inspiring and positive messages. Throughout the entire book, Michelle writes that the children are our future and that we as a nation and as individuals need to believe in them and show our support because that is when positive change will occur. This drive for believing in and supporting children is something I will actively take into my everyday life as a future educator.