Tone By: Kathleen

Tone: a writer's or speaker's attitude toward a subject.

Based upon the information we learned about Jacqueline Woodson we've come to a conclusion that she is probably very sensitive about this subject. Not sensitive in that she is unable to talk about it because it upsets her, but sensitive in the fact that she is somewhat of an activist. Jacqueline Woodson is a lesbian and she is African American. In her novel Ellie's sister Anne is a lesbian and of course Jeremiah is an African American. So the two subjects she mentions in the book, that also relate to her are, homosexuality and racism. "Once Anne and I were walking through Central Park when this black guy started running toward us. I frowned, remembering how Anne had screamed, and grabbed me. When the guy got up close, we realized he was a jogger, not a mugger or anything...," page 69. In this example it portrays the common mindset of so many people. So quick to judge. Even though the novel doesn't revolve around lesbians and gays, it is a subject, like racism, that some parts of society just can't accept.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- Based upon what you know about the author and the novel, how would you describe Ms. Woodson's feelings toward racism and homosexuality?

- What other races, besides African Americans, has racism been displayed towards them?