Y’all, it’s going to be a challenge for me to review After Tupac And D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson as I read it in April during the Dewey Readathon and it’s an incredibly sparse book. Although it is a quick read, it has some pretty heavy themes. Yet, the book After Tupac and D Foster is a testament to Jacqueline Woodson’s authorial skill, that she is able to pack punch that you didn’t even know you felt until three chapters later when it actually hits you.
After Tupac And D Foster
Jacqueline Woodson’s After Tupac And D Foster has an unnamed first person narrator who is a 12 year old African American female. She lives in a safe Queens neighborhood and is best friends with Neeka, who she’s known forever. D mysteriously enters the lives of the other two girls – the narrator and Neeka- before Tupac is shot the first time and leaves their lives just before Tupac is fatally shot.
What I love is the connection that Tupac’s music has on the lives of the girls. D has a special connection to Tupac because she feels as though she has lived the pain he raps about. The other two girls feel closer to the music because hearing and learning about D’s life brings them an understanding that they did not have before. Personally, Jacqueline Woodson’s book had me wanting to listen to Tupac beyond California Love (the only song I have by him on my iPod).
Alas, D is not in the lives of Neek and the narrator for long, yet she touches and has a very deep and lasting impact in their lives. After Tupac And D Foster is a beautifully written, strongly themed, discussion worthy book about friendship, growing up, and the effect music can have on various moments in time and our lives. I absolutely recommend Jacqueline Woodson’s book and will certainly be back for more of her writing.
Disclosure: Purchased copy.
Other reviews of After Tupac And D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson:
Becky’s Book Reviews – “Some books leave me a bit speechless. This is one of them.”
A Foodie Bibliophile In Wanderlust – “It’s amazing how beautiful a novel can be where not much happens”
Books by Jacqueline Woodson:
I loved this book and have the utmost respect of Jacqueline Woodson–her picture book SHOWWAY just hits me in the heart every time I read it. April…I love that you read and review so broadly.
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She’s wonderful! I definitely am glad I have her other books on hand to read because they are so well written, where every word seems to count, ya know?
I haven’t read this on by Woodson but have read Peace, Locomotion, which is the followup novel to Locomotion. Her books are wonderful and I’m so glad I read Peace Locomotion!
I haven’t read any of Woodson’s work, but now, I may have to! This novel sounds awesome! Great review.
Interesting book, from the sound of it. I hadn’t heard of it till now, but it does sound like something that would provoke discussion.