Feathers

Jacqueline Woodson's Newbery Honor-winning novel, Feathers, transports readers to a 1970s urban school where sixth-grader Frannie navigates complex themes of race, religion, and disability. The arrival of a quiet white boy, dubbed 'Jesus Boy,' into her all-African American class sparks curiosity, tension, and deep introspection. Through Frannie's eyes, the story explores prejudices, the challenges faced by her deaf brother, and the search for hope amidst personal and societal struggles. Woodson's lyrical prose beautifully handles difficult topics with grace and offers a powerful message about understanding and empathy.

Nobody knows what to make of the new boy in Frannie’s class. Not only does he look different, but he’s kind to everyone, he refuses to fight, and he doesn’t even seem to mind when the other kids nickname him Jesus Boy. But as winter progresses, Frannie realizes that she’s starting to see a whole lot of things in a new light: her brother’s deafness, her mother’s fear, her friend Samantha’s faith, their classmate Trevor’s anger, and her own desire for hope—"the thing with feathers." And it’s all because of Jesus Boy’s differences . . . and his friendship.