Woodson, Jacqueline. 2000. Miracle's Boys. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons. ISBN: 0-399-23113-7.
Miracle's Boys is the story of how three brothers deal with the unfairness of life. Ty'ree is the oldest. As a young boy, he witnesses his father jumping into a frozen lake (the ice had broken) to save a white woman and her dog. The woman and her dog survive the incident, but he does not. He dies of hypothermia. The boys along with their mother struggle to survive. Ty'ree learns to help his mother make ends meet. The two work together to stretch their meager budget. He learns early on how to be a caretaker and provider. Charles, the middle brother, decides to solve the family's financial difficulties by robbing a convenient store. Because he is so young, only twelve, he is sent to a correctional facility. While he is there, their mother dies from a diabetic coma. Lafayette, the youngest brother, is the one who finds her. He is in shock. Later he comes to blame himself for her death. He always asks the question If I had called the paramedics sooner could she have been saved? Ty'ree is constantly reassuring him that nothing could have saved her. After Charlie returns home, he accuses him of murder and refuses to speak to him. He is angry, bitter, and filled with hate. Lafayette names him Newcharlie. He is greatly disturbed by the change in his brother. Ty'ree also has a hard time reaching Charlie after his return. Through all this pain, the brothers struggle for their survival. They need each other desperately. Each one has his own troubles. But it is only through communicating openly and honestly with each other that hope for a brighter future is realized.
The novel is well written. Each brother is realistically drawn and brought to life. Each brother has their own personality. Each has their own gifts and faults. The characters are not perfect; they are very human. The novel is dark in many places. There is not many sparks of hope left in these boys, but the novel does redeem itself in the end when the boys finally sit down to talk to each other. There is a definite glimpse of hope that a first step toward a better life has been taken.
The novel deals with hard issues. These brothers have lost both of their parents. Each brother deals with their grief differently. The novel depicts grief, anger, and bitterness realistically. The novel seems honest and true to life.
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