Brown Girl Dreaming, Jacqueline Woodson. A truly beautiful story/memoir written poetically of her growing up years, alternating between the south with grandparents and the north with her mom. She speaks of riding in the back of the bus with her grandmother, even though the Civil Rights movement allowed differently, just because it was easier. She remembers being teased because her skin was brown, or because her brother, Hope, had a girl's name. She grew up in the church of Jehovah's Witness with the only night, Friday, being hers to explore and play and be a kid. She recounts stories of Maria, her forever friend, and still is to this day. She was surrounded by story tellers and despite not reading as fast as expected, she loved words from a young age. Her sister, Dell, was the brain and her younger brother, Roman, had the lighter skin.

This book was gorgeous and I found myself drawn to Woodson's poignant and important words, one that will stay with me with fondness and gratitude.