In Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson, six sixth-grade students form a unique bond through an experimental school program called ARTT (A Room to Talk) facilitated by their teacher, Ms. Laverne. The children, from diverse backgrounds, open up to each other in a safe space, discussing real-life issues like immigration, police brutality, and family struggles. Through their conversations in the ARTT room, the students learn to trust one another and find the strength to face their challenges together.

Woodson's writing style in Harbor Me is described as powerful, lyrical, and magical, painting even the most heartbreaking events with beauty. The novel delves into sensitive topics with depth and sensitivity, exploring complex themes like racism, incarceration, and social inequalities through the lens of young students, making it accessible for readers in upper elementary and middle school.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by beautiful, evocative prose that sensitively addresses complex issues while remaining accessible to younger readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around six children who share their personal stories and struggles in a safe environment, tackling significant societal themes such as immigration and racial profiling.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in an old art room at a school where the children meet weekly to talk freely.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick, making it an engaging read that encourages readers to revisit the text.

Genres:

young adult

literary fiction

contemporary fiction

Topics:

race

immigration

parental incarceration

Notes:

Harbor Me is a coming-of-age story set against America's political and social challenges.

The book features six children who meet weekly in a room called the ARTT room to talk without adults.

The children discuss serious topics like race, immigration, and family separation.

Jacqueline Woodson's writing is described as magical and lyrical, even when tackling heartbreaking events.

The character Haley brings a recorder to capture their discussions, and they plan to revisit the recordings in twenty years.

The children form genuine friendships and help each other deal with their struggles and fears.

The novel is recommended for 4th grade and up, making it a great educational tool.

Woodson explores deep issues like racism and socioeconomic inequality through the eyes of middle school students.

Readers appreciate the authentic relationships between the characters, which include both conflict and bonding.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Harbor Me include themes of racial issues, immigration deportation, and parental incarceration.

From The Publisher:

Jacqueline Woodson is the 2018-2019 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Jacqueline Woodson's first middle-grade novel since National Book Award winner Brown Girl Dreaming celebrates the healing that can occur when a group of students share their stories.

It all starts when six kids have to meet for a weekly chat-by themselves, with no adults to listen in. There, in the room they soon dub the ARTT Room (short for "A Room to Talk"), they discover it's safe to talk about what's bothering them-everything from Esteban's father's deportation and Haley's father's incarceration to Amari's fears of racial profiling and Ashton's adjustment to his changing family fortunes. When the six are together, they can express the feelings and fears they have to hide from the rest of the world. And together, they can grow braver and more ready for the rest of their lives.

What can you read after
Harbor Me?

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Harbor Me

Jacqueline Woodson