Readers praise Jacqueline Woodson's Miracle's Boys for its captivating emotional depth and vivid character development. The story's focus on family bonds and resilience resonates strongly, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it’s an evocative portrayal of brotherhood and survival amidst hardship.

Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson will captivate readers who appreciate heartfelt, coming-of-age stories centered on family dynamics and resilience. Fans of Sharon Draper's Out of My Mind or Walter Dean Myers' Monster will find similar themes of overcoming adversity and the power of love. Ideal for ages 12 and up, it blends emotional depth with compelling narration.

Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson follows three brothers in a Puerto Rican neighborhood of New York City, grappling with the recent death of their mother, Milagros Bailey. Middle brother Charlie, freshly home from a juvenile detention center, confronts feelings of guilt and blame, while oldest brother Ty'ree struggles to keep the family together, and youngest brother Lafayette navigates the constant reminder of their family's grief. This book contains themes of gang violence.

Emotional / Melancholic / Heartwarming / Challenging / Contemplative

- Miracle's Boys won the 2001 Coretta Scott King Award, which celebrates outstanding African American authors and illustrators.

- The novel explores themes central to urban life, offering a deeply emotional and realistic portrayal of brotherhood and resilience.

- Jacqueline Woodson utilized her experience growing up in Brooklyn, New York, to infuse the story with authentic cultural and social elements.

**Lafayette Bailey**  
A 12-year-old boy living in a New York City borough who becomes introspective and withdrawn after his mother’s death, residing with his older brothers.

**Charlie Bailey**  
The middle brother who has recently returned from a juvenile detention facility, exhibiting a toughness contrasting his previous demeanor.

**Ty’ree Bailey**  
The eldest brother who takes on the responsibility of raising his younger siblings after their mother's death and works full-time, putting aside his own academic aspirations.

Jacqueline Woodson

Adult

Novel

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Overview

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Miracle's Boys Summary

Background

Miracle's Boys Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Miracle's Boys Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-12

Miracle's Boys Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-18

Miracle's Boys Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Miracle's Boys Character Analysis

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Themes

Miracle's Boys Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Miracle's Boys Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Miracle's Boys Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Miracle's Boys Essay Topics

Miracle's Boys

Before You Read

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Who Should Read Miracle's Boys?

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