If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson receives widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and lyrical prose, tackling themes of race, love, and identity with sensitivity. Some criticisms note a perceived predictability and desire for deeper character development. Overall, the poignant narrative and authentic voice resonate strongly with readers.

Readers who enjoy poignant, contemporary YA novels about interracial relationships, teenage love, and societal challenges will be captivated by Jacqueline Woodson's If You Come Softly. Fans of Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give and Nicola Yoon's The Sun Is Also a Star will find this book compelling.

If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson follows the love story of Ellie, a white girl from Upper West Side Manhattan, and Jeremiah, a Black boy from Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Despite societal challenges and racial prejudices, they form a strong connection. This young adult novel alternates between their points of view, exploring themes of love, identity, and race as they navigate their relationship in New York City. The story includes violent encounters and racial discrimination.

Emotional / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Inspirational / Melancholic

Jacqueline Woodson

Novel

If You Come Softly

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore If You Come Softly and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

If You Come Softly Summary and Study Guide

character

Character Analysis

If You Come Softly Character Analysis

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

If You Come Softly Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

If You Come Softly Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-11

If You Come Softly Chapters 7-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-15

If You Come Softly Chapters 12-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

If You Come Softly Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-23

If You Come Softly Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 24-26

If You Come Softly Chapters 24-26 Summary & Analysis

theme

Themes

If You Come Softly Themes

Symbols & Motifs

If You Come Softly Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

If You Come Softly Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

If You Come Softly Essay Topics

If You Come Softly

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read If You Come Softly?

Reading Age

Book Details