Belonging
As we reach the end of our Original Book Project in unison win the end of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, I cannot help but focus on the ways that young people develop in their sense of belonging and how development of interests can pave the way. In my story "Little Bird" I explore the feelings of "difference" and "not belonging" so I couldn't help but notice some similarities in Jacqueline's story. As a child, Jacqueline can't quite read confidently but has an absolute fascination and adoration for words and stringing them together. "It's hard to understand the way my brain works - so different from everybody around me." (176) Jacqueline's sense of imagination is rich and plentiful, even if the adults around her don't encourage her to use it. I think that Jacqueline's commitment to writing is heavily connected with her desire for belonging. Being able to write her thoughts, feelings, and ideas on paper,...