This is one of those rare books that wins every award and actually deserves it. Woodson's memoir in verse is beautiful, honest, and teaches both history and empathy without feeling like homework.

The poetry format is the wild card—some kids will be completely drawn in by the rhythm and imagery, finding it easier to read than dense prose. Others will bounce right off it, wanting more traditional storytelling. If your kid loves creative writing, journaling, or has ever felt caught between two worlds, this will resonate deeply.

It's not a light read emotionally (racism, family complexity, searching for belonging), but it's never traumatic or inappropriate. Woodson writes from a child's perspective, so even hard topics feel accessible. The book basically teaches kids how to turn their own lives into art, which is pretty powerful.

One caveat: it's definitely a "mood" book. You need to be ready for something contemplative and literary, not action-packed. But if your middle schooler is ready for that, this is genuinely enriching in a way most books aren't.