Language: PG (3 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (self harm)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
13 year old Genesis doesn't like herself. In fact, she keeps a list of all the reasons. When Genesis was in 6th grade, some girls gave her a note with a list of why they don't like her, and she's been adding to the list ever since. Most of all, Genesis doesn't like that she looks more like her dark skinned father than her light skinned mother, so she's constantly trying new things to lighten her skin and improve her hair.
Genesis' situation is heartbreaking – she is always hearing that she is not good enough, even from her father and her grandmother. A kind teacher compares her to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, but Genesis thinks it’s a physical comparison. Themes of bullying, racism, alcoholism, friendship, poverty, colorism – so much going on, but the plot doesn’t feel cluttered. A great book for building empathy, an amazing read to empower black girls and others.
Lisa Librarian
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