by Paulsen, GarySarny lives on the Waller plantation. One day a slave named Nightjohn comes to the plantation with Mr. Waller. In exchange for a lip of tobacco, Nightjohn begins teaching Sarny how to write letters. After a while, it is revealed that he was free at one time, but returned to the South to teach slaves to read and write. But slaves caught reading and writing are punished severely. So when Mr. Waller catches Sarny writing, he looks for someone to blame. The punishment he inflicts has a permanent result. This book is filled with meaningful dialogue and characters. Written from Sarny’s point of view, it powerfully portrays injustice, wonderment of the written language, and a spirit of hope.- reviewed by Jeanenne, Steele Read more…

by Collins, ReneaThis book is a representation of faith and humility of the human spirit. Renea Collins shows that faith in the Lord can help one overcome the many mishaps and triumphs of life. The main character of Racheal had been abused, raped, and betrayed. She had faced indescribable pain that made her an irate individual. When she copes with the fact of abandonment, she finds the Lord as well as finds assurance in herself. This book is a must read as it speaks a lot to the reader.- reviewed by Nadirah, , Read more…

When her parents split, Blessing is moved from the comforts of a modern apartment complex to a poor rural village in the Niger Delta. The American teens we serve are certainly familiar with changes of circumstance – often due to parents who divorce, lose jobs or relocate. Blessing experiences all of those changes in one blow. What I like about Tiny Sunbirds is that it is set in the present, and that it is easy to be hooked by Blessing’s voice and point of view, especially her disorientation. She is used to a modern way of life, much like ours, when she is suddenly uprooted. One day she cannot imagine life without running water, without electricity and school and plenty to eat. The next day she is learning to cook over a fire, carry Read more…

by Whitehead, Colson Colson Whitehead’s debut novel seems to be about an obscure topic: elevator inspectors. His protagonist, Lila Mae Watson, is the first black female elevator inspector in 1950′s New York. She uses her intuition to repair the elevators. There is a rival school of elevator inspectors called Empiricists who physically inspect the elevators for safety. Watson’s confidence is shaken when an elevator crashes shortly after an inspection. The elevators’ guild is also having an election which pits the Intuitionists against the Empiricists. James Fulton, the founder of Intuitionism, left behind a black box with instructions to create the perfect elevator. Watson is searching for this box. Whitehead uses the Read more…

by Elliott, Mata Cassidy is single and is trying to keep her mind and heart busy with teaching and community/church work. She returns home to be with her great-aunt and discovers that they have guests. Trevor Monroe and his daughters have moved in after an accidental fire at his home. Despite his outward attractions and godly nature, Cassidy resists her feelings for him. Her past experiences of the heart have been painful and she doesn'twant to repeat any mistakes. And it doesn’t help that there seems to be more than one woman willing to become the next Mrs. Monroe no matter what! Intimate and sensitive issues are dealt with honestly and with understanding throughout the novel. Plus there is plenty of drama to keep the Read more…

by Nicholas, Denise Celeste Tyree is a 19-year-old African American college sophomore from Detroit who has lived a privileged life under the watchful eye of father, Shuck – a bar owner and social activism proponent. When her relationship with her white boyfriend sours and her communications with her selfish wanna-be-white mother breaks down, Celeste steps out of her comfort zone in the summer of 1964 and joins the Freedom Summer campaign to educate and prepare prospective black voters. Pineyville, Mississippi becomes Celeste’s new home as a volunteer for the movement. There, she experiences the hatred and violence of a Klan-manipulated small Southern town. It also becomes a journey of self-discovery for a young girl lonely and Read more…

by Alers, RochelleMan of Fate is the story of Kyle Chatham a successful devoted lawyer in Harlem. He enjoys his single life and lives it to the fullest. When a minor car accident introduces him to Ava Warrick their lives are intertwined. What starts off as a good deal soon turns into a simple friendship that will lead to something more. But can a confirmed bachelor be ready to settle down and win the heart of a woman who’s given up on love? The story will entice you from beginning to end. This is the first of a three book series that will introduce you to Kyle and his two life-long friends Duncan and Ivan. After meeting Kyle you will definitely want to meet Duncan and Ivan! – reviewed by Vivian, Scaleybark Branch, Read more…

Tayari Jones’ new coming-of-age novel is a natural for teen readers. Although Silver Sparrow releases tomorrow, it has already garnered lots of attention, including an interview on NPR’s All Things Considered and the top spot on the June Indie Next List. Greenlight Books in Brooklyn is holding a launch party on Wednesday evening, in the middle of BookExpo and New York Book Week. There is another excellent interview by Roxane Gay on the Bookslut blog. I was also interested to learn about Tayari Jones’ involvement with Girls Write Now, an organization that pairs teen writers attending New York City public schools with adult writing mentors. JONES, Tayari. Silver Sparrow. 352p. Algonquin. 2011. Adult/High Read more…

Here on the AB4T blog, we provide timely reviews of new books. But I have also opened up the blog to the reviewers to write about a relevant topic or book outside those guidelines. Amy Cheney is a librarian at the Alameda County Library Juvenile Justice Center in California. She is particularly interested in marginalized books and authors that are relevant to her population. Recently, she asked if she could review a book that made a huge impact on her, but was published in 2009. I said, well, not officially. But why not write a blog post about it?  From Amy: There are books and authors that defy categorization. Jarid Manos is an ex-drug dealing gay black person of Moorish descent who is currently an environmental activist.  Or, as he Read more…

Perhaps posting a review of this book will be somewhat controversial, given the language and topics involve. However, if we’re talking teen appeal there are plenty of readers who will be fascinated by both the criminal and celebrity lifestyles depicted. Tracy Morrow’s path from thief to Grammy-winning rapper musician to television and movie actor is a unique one. The New York Times book review dubs Ice-T “the gangsta rapper even a parent could love.” Late last week the 2011 Street Lit Book Award Medal Winners (for 2010 publications) were announced. The winner is Decoded by Jay-Z. That same NY Times review of Ice compares the two books to say that while Decoded shares little about the artist himself, Ice is the Read more…

by Weber, Carl“Big girls do cry” out to say the least, especially in this Virginia based drama. The characters in this book are extremely memorable which makes this one a definite page turner. Take Isis: she is #1 in manipulation. She agrees to help her sister Egypt with something major, but not out of the kindness of her heart. She has her own motive which is to help herself to Rashad again. Yep, again. You see Rashad is Isis's ex, who is now Egypt’s husband. Egypt comes across as the “I’m so innocent, but what can I use you for” sneaky type. So if you like DRAMA, DRAMA and more DRAMA pick up this book for some “Oh no she didnt”,”Get out of here” entertainment.- reviewed by Candy, Freedom Regional, Read more…

by Turner, NikkiThis is a definite page turner; Nikki has done it again with this forbidden romance/suspense/drama. In this newest novel, all the characters are very memorable, especially Desember- oh, boy she is strong–willed, bull-headed and altogether something else. She is your average “hood chick” whose ideal guy is your average “bad boy.” Fame, Desember’s boyfriend, is your typical “hood thug” who manipulated Desember into believing that he keeps nothing from her, but in actuality he has a separate life of robbing and stealing that she knows nothing about. This book’s storyline is both action-oriented and pure entertainment. The North Carolina setting delivered by the author is sure to appeal to many readers and Read more…

by Thomas, JacquelinJacquelin Thomas carefully crafts a modern spin on the biblical story of Samson and Delilah with all the elements of love, betrayal and redemption. Pastor Samson Taylor is trying to control his unhealthy desire for women. Going against his family wishes, he marries Savannah Keys, the former girlfriend of his best friend. The union between Savannah and Samson brings the verse 2 Corinthians 6:14 to modern times: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers”. Samson loves God and is fighting his lust for beautiful women. Because this temptation is so strong, Samson ruins his marriage, his relationship with his best friend, and almost his life. I love how this story captures you from the very beginning. I Read more…

by Baldwin, JamesThis compelling novel touches on the complexities of black and white relationships, racism, and sexuality. The story is centered around Rufus, a talented jazz musician from New York. The reader is able to travel through and witness the characters bizarre encounters to co-exist with each other during harsh realities and them trying to keep it all together while battling their own inner demons. Baldwin's eleoquent style of writing is poetic and haunting. – reviewed by Alicia, Mountain Island Branch, Read more…

by Campbell, Bebe MooreIn 72 Hour Hold, Campbell details the relationship between a mother, Kira, and her daughter, Trina, who is suffering from a mental illness. In the beginning, Trina's behavior starts changing in little unrecognized ways until she suddenly turns violent. After numerous 911 calls, Trina is finally diagnosed as bipolar, but instead of taking her medication, Trina chooses alcohol and marijuana which fuels her erratic behavior. After being told by physicians that the only treatment is lifelong prescription drugs, Kira studies mental illness in order to help her daughter. Once deemed dangerous, Trina is in and out of the mental ward for the requisite 72 hour holding period, which is never long enough. A sensitive Read more…

by Weber, CarlBishop T.K. Wilson, minister of the First Jamaican Ministries, decides to hire a new choir director in the hopes of increasing attendance and profits after the last choir director's scandalous behavior. Aaron Mackie has been waiting his entire life for such an opportunity, but will his past and present behavior around women cost him his dream job? Simone Wilcox is not only a gorgeous and sexy woman, but a church trustee, and she intends to get a lot more of herself on Aaron then just her eyes. But the Bishop's wife, Monique, will stop at nothing to protect her husband. In addition to everything else, the Bishop then discovers the church is being robbed blind by someone very close to him. Carl Weber nails this Read more…

by Chideya, FaraiThis book is quite a read, exploring the New York music scene at the turn of the millennium. Sophie “Sky” Lee, a black, thirty-something rock musician is trying to find fame and fortune, but it won't come without a price. Her manager is her boyfriend and her lead guitarist is her abusive ex-husband; she is trying desperately to figure out how she relates to each of these men. As her band tours America, Europe and Africa, will Sophie be able to stick to her beliefs or will she crumble under the heavy price fame often demands? Even when you don't always agree with Sophie, you'll find yourself rooting for her. This has it all–family dynamics, industry sabotage and the quest for love and fame. – reviewed Read more…

by HoneyB.HoneyB looks into the lives of three married couples. Hershell and Nikki, he a successful white collar worker makes a decent salary but nothing compared to her sex catering business. How long will he put up with his monthly sex allotment from her when he can get as much as he wants elsewhere. Brian and Michelle, a corporate power couple, seem to have the perfect marriage, but how long will it last with Michelle’s mother hell bent on destroying it. And, then there’s Lexington and Donna. Married for ten years, firmly in a rut and God only knows how long Donna will be able to keep him at home. This book looks at marriage and infidelity as it journeys in and out of sex clubs. A true sizzler.- reviewed by Barbara, Morrison Read more…

by Morrison, Mary B.Lace St. Thomas, Madam and former prostitute, operates a female escort service in Las Vegas called “Immaculate Perceptions”. Lace's escorts are twelve of the sexiest gals in the business and can only be had by the wealthiest of men. When Lace is called home by her estranged mother because her sister has been hospitalized, she comes face to face with some very old demons. While she's at home, one of Lace's escorts decides she needs to get out of the business, but the only way she's getting out is in a body bag. When a body is found, she thinks she's next in line. This book has it all … sex, lies, murder and suspense. – reviewed by Barbara, Morrison Regional, Read more…

by HoneyBFoxy, Deja and Victoria. Three sisters from three different mothers. These gals had it all. Wealthy spouses, gorgeous homes, successful careers and all the physical assets any woman would want and any man could desire. By day they run a popular pasty shop, but each night, for one hour, they run a very lucrative sideline business providing sexual services at astronomical prices for discerning clients. Sexual favours that they don't always provide to their own spouses and it's not for lack of libido, but simply that age old marital problem of miscommunication. Though this is far from a literary masterpiece, it is one hot, sensual and sexy read.- reviewed by Barbara, Morrison Regional, Read more…

by Hobbs, AllisonA Bonafide Gold Digger is a first installment with a sequel: Pure Paradise. In this twisted and captivating novel, Allison unveils the events that take Milan Walden from an eager submissive to a powerful dominatrix in and out of the bedroom. She is fired from her job and takes refuge in caring for a wealthy and ill-stricken elderly man, although she later finds out that things are not always what they seem. All the characters in this novel have a very specific agenda. These agendas spiral Milan's world out of control. This novel will take you on a roller coaster ride that you will not want to get off. – reviewed by Cherise, , Read more…

by Hobbs, AllisonDangerously in Love is a novel that describes the lives of three individuals, Charlene, Reed and Dayna. Charlene is an eighteen year old exotic dancer who wants to find a rich man to love and take care of her. Unfortunately for Charlene, this will not be an easy task. Reed and Dayna's failing three year marriage is crumbling day by day. Dayna wants desperately to have a baby. However, Reed despises his wife and his secret sex life will lead to his downfall. These characters are brought to life with vivid details by the author. The plots in this story are riveting and mind blowing. – reviewed by Cherise, , Read more…

by Harris, E. LynnBentley L. Dean III is the owner of an African-American modeling agency. His agency is feeling the wrath of the falling economy and he desperately needs money. He is given the opportunity to bring his company out of the trenches, by accepting a job that wants gay models as “eye candy”. Bentley feels uneasy about accepting this job, however he does love his company and needs the money. Bentley is at a crossroads of honor and greed. The characters in this story will have you asking the question — What will you do for love?- reviewed by Cherise, , Read more…

by DuPree, KiaCamille was placed in foster care as a young girl because of a drug addicted mother. Camille's foster parents, the Beasleys, took her into their home. However, her foster father abused her and her foster mother ignored her. Camille later falls in love with a young man named Chu and life is wonderful until he is murdered. With nowhere to go, Camille has some difficult decisions to make regarding her life. This terrific love story is also a story of survival. – reviewed by Cherise, , Read more…

by Morrison, Mary B.Darius Jones is young, handsome, sexy, rich and every womans dream. He has married the love of his life Fancy and has asked her to marry him a second time. However, Darius has some old acquaintances such as Bambi, an old schoolmate, and Ashlee, the mother of his son, who would also like to be his wife. A major event will impact everything. Darius will have to really come into his own to make everything right. This will be a life changing moment for Darius Jones. – reviewed by Cherise, , Read more…