Reading order#
| # |
Title |
Published |
Author |
Buy on Amazon |
| 1 |
I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This |
1994 |
Jacqueline Woodson |
Buy |
| 2 |
Lena |
1999 |
Jacqueline Woodson |
Buy |
Jacqueline Woodson’s I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This duology examines friendship, class, race, and abuse through the relationship between two girls from different backgrounds. Set in a small Ohio town, the series tackles difficult subject matter with sensitivity and grace.
The first book is told from Marie’s perspective as she befriends Lena despite their social differences. The sequel, Lena, shifts to Lena’s point of view as she takes her sister and flees their father. Both books have been praised for their honest portrayal of difficult topics and their focus on female friendship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This series about?
The series follows Marie, a middle-class Black girl, and Lena, a poor white girl, who form an unlikely friendship in a small Ohio town. When Lena reveals she is being abused by her father, Marie must decide how to help while keeping her friend’s secret.
Is Lena a sequel to I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This?
Yes, Lena is the sequel that follows Lena and her younger sister as they run away from their abusive home. The second book shifts perspective to Lena and continues the story from where the first book ended.
What age group is this series appropriate for?
These books are written for young adults and deal with mature themes including abuse and poverty. They are typically recommended for readers ages 12 and up, though parents may want to read alongside younger teens due to the sensitive subject matter.