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"One of the best books I have ever read...will live in the hearts of readers for the rest of their lives." —Colby Sharp, founder of Nerdy Book Club
"An emotional, painful, yet still hopeful adolescent journey...one that needed telling." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"I really loved this." —Sharon M. Draper, author of the New York Times bestseller Out of My Mind
This deeply sensitive and "compelling" (BCCB) debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself.
There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list:
-Because her family is always being put out of their house.
-Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem too.
-Because Genesis knows this is all her fault.
-Because she wasn't born looking like Mama.
-Because she is too black.
Genesis is determined to fix her family, and she's willing to try anything to do so...even if it means harming herself in the process. But when Genesis starts to find a thing or two she actually likes about herself, she discovers that changing her own attitude is the first step in helping change others.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Awards
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Release date
April 14, 2020 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781508298076
- File size: 253578 KB
- Duration: 08:48:17
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 670
- Text Difficulty: 3
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Reviews
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Author Alicia D. Williams brings authenticity and heart to the narration of her debut audiobook. Life has been hard for 13-year-old Genesis Anderson. Her alcoholic, gambling father never pays the rent, and the family lives with continual evictions and constant uncertainty. Her mother is a beautiful light-skinned black woman, but Genesis herself is dark, and she feels unbearably ugly in comparison. Williams sensitively portrays Genesis's deep hurt and self-harming behavior as she undergoes risky treatments to lighten her skin and soften her hair in the hope that she will someday be beautiful. As the story continues, listeners will feel her agony as she dares to see herself differently, tentatively standing up for herself and believing in her own worth. A powerful listening experience is enhanced by Williams's fluid performance. S.A.H. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
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