Hush. (children's bookshelf).Hush by Jacqueline Woodson G.P. Putnam's Sons, December 2001, $15.99 ISBN-0-399-23114-5 Family, friends, community and shared experiences often inform who we become. But what happens to a child's identity when those elements are suddenly snatched away? Jacqueline Woodson's latest novel for young readers, Hush, tackles that question. Thirteen-year-old Toswiah Green, the book's central character, once enjoyed the security of a strong black family, the comfort of a beautiful home in Denver and a cool best friend. All that is lost when Toswiah's father, a policeman, chooses to testify To provide evidence as a witness, subject to an oath or affirmation, in order to establish a particular fact or set of facts. Court rules require witnesses to testify about the facts they know that are relevant to the determination of the outcome of the case. against two white cops that he witnessed shoot and kill an unarmed black teen. When Mr. Green chooses to stand up for his "brothas" instead of his brothers in blue, the mostly white community turns against him, and the family enters the witness protection program. With new identifies, they flee to another state. Woodson's taut taut adj. taut·er, taut·est 1. Pulled or drawn tight; not slack. See Synonyms at tight. 2. Strained; tense: nerves taut with anxiety. 3. a. , somber som·ber adj. 1. a. Dark; gloomy. b. Dull or dark in color. 2. a. Melancholy; dismal: a somber mood. b. Serious; grave. novel examines complex themes that young people deal with every day: identity, racism, class and moral obligation. The author skillfully skill·ful adj. 1. Possessing or exercising skill; expert. See Synonyms at proficient. 2. Characterized by, exhibiting, or requiring skill. captures how the family's exile affects them. Toswiah, now Evie Thomas, pours out her inner turmoil in a journal: "I can never tell anybody the real truth. But I can write it and say this story you're about to read is fiction," She notes. Evie's older sister Cameron, now Annie, resents her father for "ruining her life." Meanwhile, their mom becomes a Jehovah's Witness Jehovah's Witness Member of an international religious movement founded in Pittsburgh, Pa., by Charles T. Russell in 1872. The movement was originally known as the International Bible Students Association, but its name was changed by Russell's successor, Joseph Franklin , while dad becomes suicidal su·i·cid·al adj. 1. Of or relating to suicide. 2. Likely to attempt suicide. . Despite the Olympian sacrifices Woodson's courageous characters make, they stand up for what they believe in. That's a great lesson for kids of all ages to learn. --Lynda Jones is an editor and author of Great Black Heroes: Five Great Black Writers. |
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