The Enduring Influence of Jacqueline Woodson: Family, History, and the Written Word
Jacqueline Woodson, an icon in children's literature, stands as a monumental figure, celebrated with prestigious accolades such as the Newbery, Coretta Scott King, National Book Award, and a MacArthur Genius Grant. Woodson's work is read all over the country. Her literary prowess is not merely a product of individual talent but a culmination of intergenerational narratives and a deep understanding of the world around her. Cicely Lewis aptly sums it up: "When you hear her name, there's some authors, they're just like actors, like Cicely Tyson. If you know that Cicely Tyson's in a movie, you know that's a good movie, and Jacqueline Woodson is on that level. If Jacqueline Woodson writes a book, I just know that her reputation precedes her."
The Tapestry of Lineage: A Foundation for Storytelling
Woodson emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past within the narratives of the present. Woodson reflects on the industry's evolution throughout her extensive career. "I'm here because of my mom and my grandma, my great-grandma, my great-grandfather, and my grandfather," she asserts, highlighting the significance of her ancestry in shaping her narrative. This recognition of a continuum, where stories are interconnected across generations, is a recurring theme in her work. As Jordan Lloyd Bookey notes, "Our stories are more than just us. They don't start when we come of age, when we're born, or not even when our parents meet. The thread can go back as far as you want it to."
In Red at the Bone, this concept is powerfully illustrated through the idea of carrying the "goneness" - the weight of historical trauma and displacement. This "goneness" is not just a personal burden but a shared inheritance, passed down through generations. Woodson's characters grapple with this legacy, understanding that their present is inextricably linked to the past.
Early Life and Influences: Shaping a Writer's Sensibility
Growing up, Woodson was a keen observer, studying her older siblings and their academic pursuits. While her siblings thrived academically, Woodson faced early struggles, which she believes made her an outsider. "I think they thought I was a pain in the butt, because there was no room for academic failure in our family," she recalls. Despite these challenges, family dinners provided a space for connection and conversation, fostering a deep bond between the siblings.
Woodson's early reading experiences also played a crucial role in shaping her literary sensibility. She was drawn to stories that evoked strong emotions, even those with tragic endings. The Little Match Girl, in particular, had a profound impact on her, instilling a sense of empathy and a desire to address social injustice. "I cried because of the unfairness of things," she says. "And for me as a writer, as a young person growing up wanting to be a writer, my first question was what can I do to change a world where a kid is so poor that she has to sell matches and then eventually freeze to death, like I want to write a different world."
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Discovering Voice and Purpose: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Woodson's journey to becoming a writer was not without its challenges. She initially felt like an outsider in the predominantly white literary world of the time. However, she persevered, driven by a desire to tell her own stories and to create characters that reflected the diversity of the world around her.
She found inspiration in the works of writers like Langston Hughes, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison, who offered perspectives and experiences that resonated with her. "Once I found out there were books out there written by people of color, I always looked for them and devoured them," she explains. This discovery fueled her desire to write her side of the story, to fill the void she had experienced as a young reader.
Writing Style and Themes: Exploring Complexity and Diversity
Woodson's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, deeply defined characters, and a strong sense of place. She tackles difficult issues such as teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and death, while never shying away from exploring the ways race and class shape lives. Her ability to distill complex issues to their essence is particularly evident in her picture books, such as Visiting Day, Coming On Home Soon, and The Other Side.
One of the defining features of Woodson's writing is her commitment to portraying the search for self-definition and self-acceptance. Her characters grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and purpose, reflecting the experiences of many young readers. Through her work, she encourages empathy, understanding, and a recognition of the shared humanity that connects us all.
The Power of Language: Crafting Dialogue and Voice
Woodson's writing is notable for its authenticity and attention to detail. She meticulously crafts dialogue that reflects the complexity and youth-centered outlook of her characters. "I never left the mind of a young person, and I remember who I was and what I wanted as a child," she explains. "I remember how I spoke so when I write I pay attention to cadence and what's left unsaid."
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She avoids excessive language, believing that every word should contribute to the story. "I don't like extra words," she says. "I just really don't like extra language because the minute I read a word, I think it's going to tell me something about this story, and if it doesn't deliver, then I get cranky."
Woodson's Creative Process: An Organic Approach to Storytelling
Woodson's writing process is organic and intuitive. She rarely outlines, preferring to let the story unfold naturally as she writes. "I start with one character, then another character comes along," she says. "Each one has his or her own life, whether they're on a stoop in Queens or in prison in upstate New York or in a school in Manhattan. I start writing those scenes, then put them together, which gets me moving toward something."
She emphasizes the importance of solitude and stillness in her creative process. By creating a quiet space for herself, she allows her characters to come to life and tell their stories.
Woodson's Legacy: Inspiring Future Generations
Jacqueline Woodson's impact on children's and young adult literature is undeniable. She has redefined the genre, creating works that reflect the complexity and diversity of the world we live in. She empowers the writers of the future. Through her writing, she has given voice to marginalized communities, challenged societal norms, and inspired countless young readers to embrace their own stories.
Her legacy extends beyond her books. Woodson is a frequent lecturer at universities across the country and was a member of the founding faculty of Vermont College’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults. She uses her platform to advocate for literacy, diversity, and social justice.
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The Importance of Reading: A Lifelong Journey
Woodson stresses the importance of reading as a fundamental aspect of learning to write. "You learn to write by reading and studying the way other writers have done it," she advises. She encourages readers to read slowly, to savor the language and to analyze the techniques used by authors to create compelling stories.
She also emphasizes the importance of reading broadly, exploring different genres and voices. By immersing themselves in a variety of literary styles, aspiring writers can develop their own unique voice and perspective.
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