After Tupac & D FosterJacqueline Woodson
Putnam Young Adult
Released January 10, 2008
Summary: An unnamed narrator and her best friend Neeka are just two normal girls living a happy life in the Bronx, until D "Foster" suddenly arrives. The narrator and Neeka have spent their young lives following their parents' rules, while D Foster has spent years in and out of foster homes and feels that seeing Tupac is like looking at herself in the mirror. She and Tupac share similarities, like the absence of their mothers and persistance in trying to find the "Big Purpose" in life. Her story, interwoven with the innocence and growth of the narrator and Neeka, as well as themes of friendship, loneliness, homosexuality, and community complete this novel aimed at middle grades readers.
Review: Jacqueline Woodson received a Newbery Honor for After Tupac & D Foster; however, I do not understand how this book was nominated for the prestigious award. Don't get me wrong the book does have some clever lines, however a few genius lines here or there does not make a book outstanding. In my eyes, strong characters and an intriguing plot make a book deserving of such accolades. This book does not have either.
I read this book in just 2 short days (probably because it is only 160 pages) mainly because I feel like I must finish any book I start, and I couldn't wait to be finished with this one. The plot, which was supposed to be about the relationship between the three girls & connections to Tupac, was often lost by the many subplots.
The same was true of the main characters. Tash, Neeka's gay older brother, definitely stole the shine from the 3 young girls. He was the only character I found entertaining and insightful. I actually wish he was a bigger part of the book. His story was fun, yet touching, and I really enjoyed him.
I also think the information about Tupac could have been improved. I was easily able to follow the Tupac songs and events, only because I grew up seeing his videos, listening to his music, watching his music, and even today, find myself enjoying his poetry. However, for a person who is unfamiliar with Tupac, I could see where the lack of information would be confusing or seem irrelevant to the story.
I think Ms. Woodson unsuccessfully tried to do too much with the novel and should have focused more on the relationship shared by the three young women. The idea behind the story was brilliant, but the attempt failed.
This is not a book that I would recommend; however, as much as I disliked this one, I am interested in reading some of Woodson's previous books.
My Score: 3 Read this only if you've gone through your TBR pile.
9 comments:
I always question award winners. Maybe it's the subject that wins and not exactly the story?
Jacqueline Woodson is considered a top African American young adult writer. But even she can write a dud.
thanks for the honest review, i will skip this book now because I usually agree with your reviews and I have a lot more to read that have gotten great reviews
That's too bad! I don't know much of anything about Tupac, so I'd be lost for sure.
While this is not her best work, I understand why it received the honor. In my library, it is always checked out.
And as someone who didn't understand the Tupac phenomenon, I did have a better understanding after reading the book. I think the point of the sub-plots was to focus on relationships and inspiration and that is what Tupac was for his fans. In him, they saw someone they could relate to and they found the inspiration through his music and their connection to him to find their own higher purpose.
I read Woodson's interview at teensread and it only reinforced what I got from the book.
Every book doesn't resonate with every reader, but you couldn't tell my readers this isn't good, and as someone who far outside the hip hop culture I came away feeling a little more informed.
I would caution readers though don't expect to become a Tupac expert reading this. He's the hub that helps three girls lose some of the childhood innocence and begin thinking about what really matters to them.
I'm sorry, but I totaly disagree. I thought this book was typical Jacqueline Woodson genius! The story about D Foster feeling lost as a foster child being a parallel to Tupac's life being out of control resonated with me. I also loved the easy banter between the girls. It reminded me of when my friends and I would talk about Tupac's videos on MTV. But you also don't need to be a Tupac expert to get into this book, either. He's a part of the story, but not the main story.
I loved the fact that there were different subplots in the story. Neeka's brother's storyline meshed well with Tupac's being in trouble with the law and the overarching message I think Woodson was trying to send about the problems created when African-American men are in the criminal justice system. Long post short, I loved this book and recommend it to any teen ( or adult) looking for realistic fiction.
Laura: I know. There have been some questionable winners. But I have faith that Jacqueline has some amazing reads, so this won't keep me from reading her books.
Erika Lynn: I seem to be in the minority on this book. So if you were interested, you should still give it a read.
Lenore: Susan said she was not a Tupac fan and that it helped her to better understand him, so it may not be confusing for you.
Susan: Thanks for your thoughts. I am sure this will fly off the shelves of our school library, however, I am not always a fan of our popular reads.
I plan to read more by Woodson, which would you suggest I try next?
RGPL YA: I agree with you about Tash's storyline. I loved him! I almost wish Woodson would create a book with him as the main character.
hmmmmm interesting... might not read that. :) thanks for the great review.
Maybe Jacqueline Woodson will take your advice, Shalonda!
Reverie: Thanks for your comments.
RGPL YA: Well she did read the review...
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