Audio CD, 5 Cd’s
Release Date: February 14, 2017Published by: Bloomsbury
Read from: December 6-14, 2018Stand-aloneSource: LibraryTW: N/A
For fans of: Realistic Fiction, Diverse Authors, Diverse Characters, Contemporary, Body Image, YAA timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renée Watson.
Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods.
But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.
Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face.
*MY THOUGHTS*
I almost didn’t review this because I read it so far after it came out, but then I realized no one was talking about this as much as they should have been. This fabulous debut discusses relevant topics and gives people a glimpse at what growing up as a black teen is like. Definitely something I should have read long ago.
The thing I loved most about this book was the main character. She felt real because she walked into the story being timid and not speaking up for what she wanted. She finished it in the exact opposite manner. It was refreshing to see her grow as a person and find out so much more about herself. And to see it all coming together for her was the best part.
I also actually really liked Watson’s writing style. Although there wasn’t really anything happening plot wise, I did enjoy listening to Jade’s journey, solely because the writing style kept me captivated. I had to find out how things ended up for her. How things with Sam changed both her and Sam.
This book has a quieter approach to police brutality and racism than some of the other books that came out, so maybe this one could be an introduction book used to ease students into learning about these topics. Hopefully more people will start talking about this one in these conversations more.
Overall, I give this
