Miracle's Boys

What role does the character of Aaron play in unifying the brothers in the novel? What does Aaron represent about the past, and what does his removal from Charlie’s life suggest for the future?

Woodson explains that a key inspiration for the book was that she wanted to write a book without any female characters (“Miracle’s Boys.” Jacqueline Woodson). How does the lack of female characters impact the novel? In what ways do the boys display both masculine and feminine traits? How is the memory of their mother used without taking on a full character role, and in what ways does her memory inform the boys’ actions?

How might birth order dictate or explain how each of the three brothers mourns differently? Cite specific productive or harmful actions or habits of the three boys during to The Grieving Process. Where do these actions intersect with age or perceived duty in each of the boys?

What is the significance of Puerto Rico to the characters in the novel? Compare and contrast the descriptions of Puerto Rico to the city borough in which the Bailey family now lives. How does this help to inform Charlie’s decision to rob the store to acquire money to return to Puerto Rico?

What is the importance of the novel’s title? What are the implications of their mother’s name, and how can it be said to work within the plot?

Lafayette has several dreams during the novel. What motifs repeat in his dreams? What do the images or scenes in his dream appear to signify?

How is Dr. Vernon able to help Lafayette through The Grieving Process? What aspects of these visits are impactful for Lafayette, and how or when does he gradually introduce these methods at home? Are they received by his brothers?

Near the end of the novel, Lafayette recalls the ritual of pulling a leaf from a tree to signify a promise he was making. Explain what this practice entails and theorize its significance to Lafayette. How can ritual be helpful in life and in The Grieving Process?