I just discovered a new review—Wish is one of October’s ALAN’s Picks:
A Wish after Midnight by Zetta Elliott
CreateSpace, 2008, 230 pp., $11.99
Civil War/Relationships/Racism
ISBN: 978-1441474247Genna is a sixteen-year-old African American girl living in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1990s. Her life is not easy. Her single mother struggles to put food on the table, while Genna struggles to find friends that accept her—even though she cares about school more than clothes. Genna struggles with maintaining friendships, even with her siblings, until she meets Judah, a Rastafarian who understands her soul. The love seems like a fairy-tale, until Genna wakes up in Brooklyn, New York, in 1860. It’s during this trip back in time that Genna comes to learn about herself, her race, and her history.
Zetta Elliott creates a beautiful, realistic story about the trials and tribulations of one girl— Genna—whether she lives in present day America, or that of the Civil War. Elliott does not talk down to her target audience, young adults, but instead writes about things they will relate to—drugs, sex, racism, and love. Both teens and adults will relate to the fascinating characters that Elliott creates. Elliott isn’t timid about creating situations that might cause the reader discomfort, which should only be applauded. The subjects discussed in this novel would be perfect to further delve into in either the classroom or the living room.
Reviewed by Jaime Williams, Acworth, GA
Yes!
Ok, since Zetta didn’t mention it, AWAM also made ALAN’S (Assembly on Literature for Adolescents) Picks for the month:
ALAN’s Picks is a monthly book review column edited and compiled by Dr. Pam Cole of Kennesaw State University. Be sure to check the site regularly for the a preview of the latest titles in YA Lit.
An ALAN’s Pick of the month, thats hugh. Congrats
I am going to start refering to A Wish After Midnight as the little book that could minus the little because there aint nothing little about it.
And of course I meant to type huge not hugh, my bad.
thanks, ladies! and you were there when it all began…
Great analogy with the modification of course. Yes, we were there in the beginning. Does it get any cooler than that?🙂
Z,
This is wonderful! I believe this will be the first of many to come!
So well-deserved! My sister is reading and appreciating AWAM as I write.
thanks, edi! and thanks for sharing Wish with Sascha, Laura–let me know what she thinks…