The Classroom as a “Brave Space” in Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me

Wendy Rountree

doi:10.3390/h14050097

The Classroom as a “Brave Space” in Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me

Wendy Rountree

Ethnic Studies

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

In this essay, I utilize Robert Stepto’s “ritual ground” concept and Ray Oldenburg’s “third place” theory to analyze Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me. I posit that Ms. Laverne repurposes an old art classroom as both a “third place” and a “ritual ground” for her students, and as a result, her students are empowered to create community and find their individual and collective voices.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	97
Journal	Humanities (Switzerland)
Volume	14
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3390/h14050097
State	Published - May 2025

Keywords

African American children
classrooms
educators
pedagogy
ritual grounds
safe spaces
third places

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Arts and Humanities
General

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10.3390/h14050097

Cite this

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The Classroom as a “Brave Space” in Jacqueline Woodson’s Harbor Me

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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