The Dear One

I loved reading this book! When I first heard about this book through a book talk I thought, I have to read that. As I started reading I didn't want to stop. The book is written in a way that young readers can comprehend, and enjoy but the story involve some complex and mature ideas. I would advise this book for readers 6th grade and above. The story presents some controversial topics that teenagers, and African Americans may face. The book was compelling, and captured the reader instantly.

Afeni (which means "the dear one" in Swahili) is a 12-year-old girl dealing with the tragic death of her beloved grandmother and her parents' divorce.

When Rebecca, the daughter of her mother's childhood friend, comes to live with Afeni and her mother, Afeni is not pleased. Rebecca, 15, is pregnant, and Afeni is sure they will have nothing in common.

At first, the girls clash, but they slowly become friends. Through a cast of strong female characters, Woodson takes on such weighty issues as teen pregnancy, adoption, and the divide between the haves and the have-nots. There is not much plot, but the relationships are rich and believable.

I thought it was a cute story about a young pregnant girl and the friendship that develops with another young girl that wants nothing to do with her.

The Dear One
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Publisher/Date: Puffin (2004)

Summary: Feni comes to find out that that her mother has agreed to take a fifteen-year-old pregnant girl into their home until her baby is born, and when she does find out she becomes livid! What kind of girl would let herself get into so much trouble? How can Feni live in the same house with someone that is so young and that is pregnant with a child? Her worst uncertainties are definite when Rebecca arrives: she is awfully mean; she is tremendously bossy, and consequently uneducated. Feni decides she will have nothing to do Rebecca, although it is hard not to be inquiring about a girl so close to her own age that seems so diverse.

Personal Reaction: I really enjoyed this show more book because it seems here lately that everyone or the young ladies that have not even turned sixteen yet are having children. It is more and more common these days that more girls are becoming pregnant at younger and younger ages. This book is a really well-written, strong, and life-affirming book.

Extension: In the classroom I would probably discuss the reactions and how the characters responded in the book. There is really not a lesson that would go with this book unless you as the teacher were teaching a sex education class to young women. show less

Sheniqua Faison