Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson tells the true story of the author's childhood during the Civil Rights Movement.  Born in Ohio, Jacqueline or Jackie moved to South Carolina as a baby when her mother left her father.  In South Carolina, Jackie spends the first years of her life in the shadow of her family amidst lunch counter sit-ins and civil rights meetings.  Jackie and her family move to Brooklyn, but continue visiting the south every summer to reconnect with family.  In Brooklyn, Jackie is exposed to the Black Panther Movement and the power of writing.  I loved that this story was written in verse.  There were so many beautiful lines, and it seemed very fitting for the author's journey, particularly in her younger years in South Carolina!  I also really liked that the author included events from the Civil Rights Movement, but that those events did not take over the story. The author did a fantastic job keeping the story about herself!   

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince tells Michaela's story from her birth in war torn Sierra Leone to her debut as a professional ballerina in her late teens.  I really enjoyed Michaela's humor and her ability to convey such an incredible journey in such a personable way!  After losing both of her parents as a toddler (her father to the war and her mother to illness), Michaela is left at an orphanage by her uncle because he does not want the responsibility of caring for her.  At the orphanage, Michaela is known only as "number 27," the least favored child because of a skin condition she has called vetiligo.  One day, she finds an American magazine, which features a ballerina on the cover. Without even knowing what ballet is, Michaela keeps that cover photo of a ballerina and vows that she will become just like her someday. Soon after, Michaela and her closest friend at the orphanage are adopted by an American couple, and Michaela's aspirations to be a ballerina start to take form.  This is a great read for anyone with a big dream, and really shows what is possible through courage and determination!

I Am Malala

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai was such an interesting read!  The story captures the Taliban's rise to power in the Swat Valley of Pakistan in a way that helps readers really understand the complex religious and social issues of the region.  I was touched not only by Malala's story, but also the connected stories of her family members.  I found her father's history and actions to be as inspiring as Malala's!  This is definitely worth a read for anyone interested in education, and the power one girl can build by speaking out!