Brown Girl Dreaming Lesson Plan

How does Jackie feel about the two significant losses her family suffers in this section? How does she cope with them?

The family loses both Robert—to prison—and Daddy—to death. Jackie struggles deeply with both losses. However, students should note that the harsh reality of visiting Robert at Dannemora helps her to understand that she can use writing to engage with her feelings and with difficult situations. Jackie has always been close to her grandfather, and she struggles deeply with that loss. The section closes with a "how to listen" haiku that demands she listen to the stillness around her—to the absence of people she loves.

Why is Maria's friendship so important to...