The Reading Quilt: I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This

In recent years, the conversation surrounding child sexual abuse has gained unprecedented visibility, driven in large part by the “Me Too” global movement. This social reckoning has shed light on the pervasive issue of abuse within various industries, revealing a deep-seated pattern of exploitation and misconduct in various arenas like the workplace and entertainment industry.

Fearless documentarians have helped to bring shocking and poignant examples of child abuse of  Nickelodeon child stars to light making the public aware of the alarming reality of abuse within the entertainment industry. These allegations not only highlight the specific dangers faced by child actors but also reflect broader systemic issues that allow such abuses to persist unchecked. 

Each month “The Reading Quilt” provides a short review of a book that a teacher may use to spark conversations about culture and race, along with a learning activity that may help students understand human behavior. Using the acronym QUILT, the review offers readers information about the Quality of writing, Universal theme, Imaginative plot, Lesson plan, and Talking points that stem from the book’s premise. This month’s selection is a book by Jaqueline Woodson titled “I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This,”  Delacourt Press (1994).  In her novel, Woodson examines the difficulty an incest victim faces when trying to find people who may be able to help end the sexual violence. The book is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Jacqueline Woodson

Image: Jaqueline Woodson. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Woodson, a native of Columbus, Ohio, is a prolific writer of YA fiction. Woodson spent much of her childhood in Brooklyn, New York. The author of over a dozen award-winning novels, Woodson is living her best life because she knew she wanted to be a writer from a young age.

Woodson’s books, which celebrate the African American experience, are staples in many school libraries. The recipient of several awards like the Newbery Medal, Woodson was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2020.

Quality of Writing: Woodson has a genius talent for creating characters that feel like they could have been your best friends in middle school. It’s as if she rummaged through your old, dog-eared diary and published the pages marked “Do Not Read.” With realistic exchanges and true-to-life scenarios, Woodson unveils stunning truths about her protagonists. In this novel, each character faces a heartbreaking narrative that threatens her peace. It’s evident why Woodson is renowned for bringing YA coming-of-age stories to life. The novel boasts all the hallmarks of superb writing, including a clear and focused storyline, a succinct theme, and a thought-provoking plot that evokes a strong emotional response.

Universal Theme: The novel is a poignant tale of two girls from different worlds who find strength in each other, revealing that sometimes the most unlikely connections can lead to the most profound healing. Taking into consideration that one girl is Black and middle-class and the other is White and financially disadvantaged, a theme of socioeconomic advantage emerges. 

Imaginative Plot: Marie Thompson, a Black middle-class teenager, struggles with the deep wound left by her mother’s sudden abandonment. Raised by her loving but overworked father, Marie navigates the challenges of adolescence with a heavy heart, masking her pain with academic excellence and fierce independence. Her world feels predictable, though suffused with a quiet sadness until she crosses paths with Lena Parker. Lena, a poor white girl from the other side of town, carries an air of mystery and a hidden burden. The two girls, seemingly worlds apart, form an unlikely friendship and a very strong bond.

Lesson Plan Objectives: Students will be able to (SWBAT)

• Read, describe, and discuss the disparities that exist between the two main protagonists.
• Reflect on personal experiences related to themes in the novel.
• Examine the theme of friendship and resilience in the novel. 
• Understand the impact of racial and socio-economic issues on the characters’ lives. 
• Reflect on the overall impact of the novel and its themes.

Talking Points: Through the novel’s two compelling protagonists, the plot presents an opportunity to teach themes of friendship, resilience, and social issues such as racial and socio-economic disparities. Additionally, a character analysis of each character will help students develop an understanding of how personal experiences and backgrounds shape individuals and their relationships.

 Dr. R. A. Slaughter’s (Doc) textbooks Turning the Page: The Ultimate Guide for Teachers to Multicultural Literature, and Turning the Page: A Guide to Securing Multicultural Literature for Schools, both published by Rowman & Littlefield and available in all bookstores, have brought Doc international recognition. Doc’s lecture on “Uncommon Literacies and BBIPOC Joy” is often met with standing ovations. For more information, log onto DrRachelSlaughter.info or check out “The Reading Quilt ” Talk Show, every Monday, at 3:30 pm on Philly Cam.