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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Woodson,
J. (1998). If you come softly.
New York, NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
ISBN 0399231129. 181 p.
SUMMARY
Miah
(Jeremiah) and Ellie (Elisha) have certain things in common. They are both attending Percy Academy for the
first time. They’re both in their
sophomore year of high school and are in the same history class. Miah is an only child, and Ellie is the only
child left at home since she’s the youngest.
Their differences, however, outnumber their similarities. Ellie is Jewish, and Miah is not. Ellie’s parents are still married, but Miah’s
parents are divorced. Miah’s parents are
famous, but Ellie’s are not. They live
in different neighborhoods. Ellie is
white, and Miah is black. Despite their
differences, they are inexplicably drawn to each other and form a beautiful relationship
that so many people would love to have, but can they really enjoy a future
together?
CRITICAL
ANALYSIS
Jacqueline Woodson, author of if you come softly, employs two protagonists in this story. Readers will get to know both fifteen year
olds Ellie and Jeremiah quite well since the chapters are narrated by both
individuals and alternate between the two characters. Readers will feel the protagonists’ problems,
concerns, pains, and joyful moments.
Woodson touches upon sensitive subjects that include homosexuality, discrimination,
and racial stereotyping, but she does so with honesty and finesse. With touches of poetry interwoven, Jacqueline
Woodson leads her readers through a brief story of an interracial relationship
that may leave her audience wanting more.
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