BIBLIOGRAPHY
Woodson, Jacqueline. 1998. IF YOU COME SOFTLY. New York. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. ISBN: 0399231129.
PLOT SUMMARY
Jeremiah, a black boy, from Brooklyn is comfortable being himself in his familiar surroundings. He begins the school year in a new prep school where he meets Ellie, a white Jewish girl, and they both fall in love after crossing paths in the hallway on the first day of school at Percy, their private school in New York City. Miah, who’s famous parents are separated, begins the school year keeping his life to himself in order to avoid criticism of his parents separation. Ellie, who has been abandoned by her mother twice before, has a hard time trusting anyone to stick around. Both teenagers, despite their relationship that must face societal criticism, work hard to ignore the dirty looks and unsolicited comments. Ellie is fortunate to meet Miah’s mother. Unfortunately, the day before Miah was set to meet Ellie’s family a senseless act of violence tragically changed their lives forever.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The main characters are very relatable to the young adult audience as they experience first-love and trust with one another. The viewpoints of Ellie and Miah are told through different chapters. The story is told through Ellie’s narration. Alternating between Manhattan and Brooklyn, we see Ellie and Miah discover different unknown areas to their interracial relationship. Their love is perfect to each other, but not to the rest of the world. When a woman asks Ellie if she was okay when seen walking with Miah, she experiences what white women think when seeing their young love in public display. Woodson does a great job of explaining varying viewpoints of race as Miah’s dad warns him of never running through a white neighborhood and Ellie’s sister leaves her with doubt about dating a black boy. The ending, which was prefaced at the beginning, gives a powerful impact to themes of race and racial prejudice.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
ALA Notable Children’s Books, 1999
Book Report, 03/01/99
Booklist, 10/01/98
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, 10/01/98
Horn Book Magazine, 11/01/18
Margaret A. Edwards Award, 2006
New York Public Library books for the Teen Age, 1999
School Library Journal, 12/01/98
Texas: Lone Star Reading List, 2000
Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 12/01/98
Book Report (March/April 1999): “ The conflicting forces are not the two kids’ families, but society in general. In one touching scene, Ellis is upset when a young black woman gives them a dirty look after she kisses him. SHe wonders if it will always be this way.”
Booklist ( Vol. 95, No. 3 (October 1, 1998)): “...the sudden violin ending is a devastating shock that seems stuck on, though it does make us go back and reread the story for clues, and they are there.”
School Library Journal (December 1998): “This fine author once again shows her gift for penning a novel that will ring true with young adults as it makes subtle comments on social situations.” -Tom S. Hurlburt, La Crosse Public Library, WI.
CONNECTIONS
This young love, interracial romance was a great read as I patiently read through the history of the families and saw the relationship develop. It is perfect for the intended Young Adult audience.
The young adult audience will enjoy the relatability to the high school students and the choices they make when coming across love, which will give the readers comfort as they overcome the obstacles to their relationship. The ending will definitely cause a thought-provoking feeling.
I enjoyed reading this realistic fiction of interracial dating and cried so much at the ending because of the sharp turn of events.
This romance novel can spark a discussion about family life, school, responsible-decision making and prejudice and racism.
Other books about interracial dating and prejudice & racism:
Velasquez, Gloria. ANKIZA (ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL, BOOK 5). ISBN 978-1-55885-309-6
Budhos, Marina Tamar. ASK ME NO QUESTIONS. ISBN 978-0-41694-920-6
Draper, Sharon M. ROMIETTE AND JULIO. ISBN 978-0-689-84209-2
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