Prereading Task for Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson:

1. Research the author, Jacqueline Woodson, and her background. What other books has she written? What awards has she received? What themes or topics does she often explore in her writing?

2. Look up the title of the novel, Brown Girl Dreaming. What do you think this title might suggest about the story? What do you think the novel might be about based on the title alone?

3. Read a brief summary or synopsis of the novel. What is the main plot or storyline? What themes or issues does the novel address? What do you think you might learn or gain from reading this book?

4. Research the historical context of the novel. Brown Girl Dreaming is set during the 1960s and 1970s, a time of significant social and political change in the United States. Look up key events, movements, or figures from this time period. How might these historical events impact the characters and their experiences in the novel?

5. Reflect on your own experiences or knowledge of the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for racial equality in the United States. What do you already know about this time period? What questions or curiosities do you have about this era? How might reading Brown Girl Dreaming deepen your understanding of this important part of history?

6. Consider the genre of the novel. Brown Girl Dreaming is a memoir written in verse. Have you read any other memoirs or books written in verse before? What do you enjoy or find challenging about these genres? How might the use of verse impact your reading experience?

7. Think about the significance of the protagonist being a “brown girl.” What do you think this might suggest about the themes or messages of the novel? How might the protagonist’s identity shape her experiences and perspectives throughout the story?

8. Write down any personal connections or questions you have about the novel based on your prereading research. What are you most excited or curious to explore in Brown Girl Dreaming?