If You Come Softly

Jacqueline Woodson

Jun 2006 · Sold by Penguin

About this eBook

A lyrical story of star-crossed love perfect for readers of The Hate U Give, by National Ambassador for Children’s Literature Jacqueline Woodson--now celebrating its twentieth anniversary, and including a new preface by the author

Jeremiah feels good inside his own skin. That is, when he's in his own Brooklyn neighborhood. But now he's going to be attending a fancy prep school in Manhattan, and black teenage boys don't exactly fit in there. So it's a surprise when he meets Ellie the first week of school. In one frozen moment their eyes lock, and after that they know they fit together--even though she's Jewish and he's black. Their worlds are so different, but to them that's not what matters. Too bad the rest of the world has to get in their way.
 
Jacqueline Woodson's work has been called “moving and resonant” (Wall Street Journal) and “gorgeous” (Vanity Fair). If You Come Softly is a powerful story of interracial love that leaves readers wondering "why" and "if only . . ."

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this book super amazing but what really made me happy was when they kissed in Central park awwww. The only thing is i didnt like how the ending was very sad and i didnt get how the horrid accident happened.☺

I cried sooo much. It's an awesome book. I read it when I was in high school,i'm 26 now and this and the sequel (Behind You) are still my favs. I'll never forget this story.

I read this book maybe 12 years ago and it still lingers in my mind. By far one of the greatest books I read in high school. I think my librarian at school was annoyed of me for always wanting to be with her and amongst all the books! I will never forget this story. Definitely my favorite.

About the author

Born on February 12th in Columbus, Ohio, Jacqueline Woodson grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, New York and graduated from college with a B.A. in English. She now writes full-time and has recently received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. Her other awards include a Newbery Honor, two Coretta Scott King awards, two National Book Award finalists, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Although she spends most of her time writing, Woodson also enjoys reading the works of emerging writers and encouraging young people to write, spending time with her friends and her family, and sewing. Jacqueline Woodson currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.