Mahogany L. Browne

Agirl who is tired of being in the shadows decides to shine.

Skyy is used to hiding in the shadow of her best friend, Lay Li; shrinking away from her sister Essa’s harsh words; and turning invisible among her peers. The only place she stands out is on the basketball court going toe-to-toe with boys who think she shouldn’t be playing. While she and Lay Li are fighting and not speaking to each other, she reflects on the way her friend treated her, both during their friendship and afterward. Skyy garners the attention of Clifton, an attractive neighborhood boy, but his attention isn’t enough to help Skyy love herself. Through a process of self-discovery and by listening to the stories of girls around her, Skyy learns to stand in her truth and determine what she’s worth. Writing in free verse, Browne explores concepts that will resonate with readers navigating toxic friendships and budding relationships and growing into themselves. Her clear, descriptive word choices conjure vivid images and sharp feelings that pair well with the conversational flow, making the story accessible and appealing to reluctant readers. The decision to withhold Skyy’s name until the end of the text allows readers to find themselves in this story. Skyy and the majority of characters are cued as Black.

A coming-of-age novel for Black girls who have been told they’re too much and yet never enough. (Verse novel. 13-18)

-Kirkus Review… (mer)

I picked this book up on a whim and it was lovely and powerful. It is a collection of poetry by 3 authors aimed towards both children and adults and it focuses on important and moving topics like race and equality and kindness. Very touching and I think it would be easy for anyone of any age to follow and understand.


Would fit The 52 Book Club's 2021 prompts:
1 - Set in a School
24 - A Book You Think They Should Read In Schools
26 - An Author Of Colour
36 - A Nameless Narrator
37 - An Educational Read
38 - Recommended on Bookbub
40 - Found via #Bookstagram

… (mer)