Jacqueline Woodson

"When six students are chosen to participate in a weekly talk with no adults allowed, they discover that when they're together, it's safe to share the hopes and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world"--

Harbor Me

HARBOR ME by Jacqueline Woodson makes it out to be one of my top favourite reads this year, unsurprisingly, though this is my first book written by her. She writes with utter sensitivity and melancholy, yet tinged with hope, with downtrodden broken-glass hope that pierces your feet, up to your heart. The book is about six children gathered in a room for a weekly chat by themselves, with no adults to listen in. These children, who couldn't catch up with the rest of their class, fear the awkwardness and lack of content or connection between them will drive them in silence for hours, but it has become a safe space to discuss matters, fears, and feelings they usually keep folded inside. Conversations about their harrowing experiences range from racial profiling, the loss of a father, fears of deportation, to a deep yearning for family history and a sense of belonging. It is a must read which celebrates open-minded empathy and healthy friendships.

fairuza hanun

Ashley Wendt

4.5 Stars. This was so beautifully written. I read the first Chapter and then ended up switching to the audiobook, which was an incredible listen. The full cast of characters gave so much more depth to each character in such a short amount of time. I cried so many times for my own children who are similar ages to these children. The ending made my son a little bit. Maybe I’m just overtired and emotional, but I just loved this story so much. This book is a much needed conversation starter for families. The end of the audiobook was a really cool interview between Jacqueline Woodson & her 10 year old son...that alone is worth the listen and worth a conversation with other kids!!! I highly recommend this story to tweens, middle grade, young adults and adults!!

Jeni Enjaian

What an absolutely beautiful book. Wow. I have read only "Brown Girl Dreaming" of Woodson's other books. Now I know that I must read the rest of them. Woodson tells a complicated yet beautiful story truly embodying the confusion of these 6th grade students as they talked through incredibly difficult real life situations, figuring things out and figuring themselves out at the same time. Wow.

Harbor Me

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