Jacqueline Woodson Transformed Children’s Literature. Now She’s Writing for Herself.

I was introduced to the books of Jacqueline Woodson when my children were in elementary school, by my children. At the time they were attending a private school made up mostly of other children who did not look like them. I became a fan immediately. Fortunately I had the opportunity to meet her as well this past year at a book talk. She was down to earth, funny and focused in her conversation. She has continued to inspire me over all these years. I was honored to have met her.

Brown Girl Dreaming is one of the most glorious books ever written. Technically it is a "young people's" book, because the protagonist grows from a baby into a 12 year old, but don't let that fool you. It is a book that truly is for all ages. I can't wait to read this one.

Diversity of everything....as long as the author and subject matter is on the left. Woodson is a good writer, but children's literature is a left wing monoculture, unlike America.

Thanks for reinforcing what a courageous, insightful, and creative person Woodson is. Although I have read most of her books, I realize there are more yet for me to savor. And this new one, too!

Woodson is a national treasure. Glad to see her trusting/following her artistic heart into adult fiction. Her books for younger readers are wonderful as well.

“Diversity” has been pushed as a moral imperative because of the social benefits gained by learning about people different from yourself. It’s been disappointing to realize that what it really means is “people who look like me” (as long as they’re not white).

Lovely article about a skilled, caring and principled author. Right on to her establishing the fellowship.

I read Woodson's If You Come Softly as a sheltered white 7th grader at a very white Catholic school in a very white, conservative Texas town. It absolutely transformed and informed - as her later works continue to do so today - my understanding of America. I'm a children's librarian now and I carry Woodson's vision for inclusive representation everyday. So grateful for her work!

Great last paragraph - thoughts

As I finished reading Woodson's 'Another Brooklyn', a friend walked into the room and I as I tried to tell her what a marvelous book it was, I burst into tears. I'm not sure I, after 60 years of loving books, had ever entered into pages that more trully opened into the human heart.

I've read four of Woodson's books: Harbor Me, The Other Side, This is the Rope, and The House You Pass on the Way. All of them are excellent. I'm an adult and I enjoyed them all. We all still have the child inside us who can appreciate these stories. I'm glad to hear she is writing more for adults and I will continue to read more of her books for all ages.

Just wonderful. Rushing out to purchase one of her books as I type. Keep it coming NYTimes. And please showcase Baldwin when it is complete.

Fortunate to have met Ms Woodson years ago at a book talk at school. More fortunate to have had my gay child read Melanin Sun as a pre-teen. Sometimes children’ literature touches our hearts with a sharper arrow, and we realize the beautiful breadth of human experience and longing. Thank you, Ms Woodson, a heartfelt thank you.

I love Jacqueline Woodson’s books. As a white teacher working in schools with mostly black and brown children, I agree heartily with her that the books need to reflect the children’s identities and stories. Ms. Woodson’s book Visiting Day gave one of my young students a way to process and talk with his family about seeing his mother in prison. I am grateful to her for her emotionally resonant and honest stories, and for inspiring more writers of color so that children can see themselves in stories.

I am so excited to read your new book and discover your work! When authors write the stories they want to read, the bonus is that there are readers who have been waiting and revel in them.