Reminiscent of Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, but appropriate for a much younger audience.
– New York Times
With its relatable and sympathetic protagonist, complex setting, and exceptional emotional range, this title is easy to recommend.
– Publishers Weekly, starred review
Debut novelist Williams takes readers through an emotional, painful, yet still hopeful adolescent journey . . . . [A] story that may be all too familiar for too many and one that needed telling.
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Compelling . . . . Readers will rejoice.
– BCCB
With a name like Genesis, it’s hard to be the ‘new girl’ at school and remain unnoticed in a suburban classroom, especially if you are self-conscious about how you look. Teenaged Genesis struggles to accept both her skin color and her place in her complicated family. Alicia D. Williams skillfully develops a character who—with the help of friends, teachers, and some awesome bluesy music—learns to love herself and her family as she realizes that black is indeed beautiful. I really loved this debut novel.
– Sharon M. Draper, author of the New York Times bestseller Out of My Mind