Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement. Touching and powerful, each poem is both accessible and emotionally charged, each line a glimpse into a child’s soul as she searches for her place in the world. Woodson’s eloquent poetry also reflects the joy of finding her voice through writing stories, despite the fact that she struggled with reading as a child. Her love of stories inspired her and stayed with her, creating the first sparks of the gifted writer she was to become.

Family tree -- Part I: I am born -- Part II: The stories of South Carolina run like rivers -- Part III: Followed the sky's mirrored constellation to freedom -- Part IV: Deep in my heart, I do believe -- Part V. Ready to change the world -- Author's note -- Thankfuls -- Family photos -- The story isn't over : seven beautiful new poems.