Gr 7 Up –High school junior Jade is an “at-risk” student from a rough neighborhood in Portland, OR. She is also a talented collage artist, and she attends an elite private school on scholarship. More than anything, she wants to go on a study abroad week offered at her school to use her Spanish skills. Instead, she is given an invitation to join Woman to Woman, a mentorship program for young women like her: poor and black. Her mentor, Maxine, is from a more privileged background, and Jade doesn’t see what she can learn from her. But in spite of her early resistance to Maxine, Jade begins to open up and gain confidence, and, eventually, she is able to express the importance of her family, her community, and her art. The two strong female characters and the ways in which they struggle with and support each other form the center of this tale. Most young people will relate to Jade’s search to find her voice and learn to advocate for herself in appropriate ways. The lack of a romantic lead may leave some young teen readers disappointed, but there is a real, refreshing strength in a fully fleshed-out female character whose story is her own. This is a memorable novel that demonstrates that a happy ending doesn’t require a romantic subplot.
Personal Reflection
I really enjoyed this book. I personally give it a five star rating. I felt like I connected with Jade on a different level. This book was able to convey the struggle with privilege and give a perspective of coming to terms with oneself. As a reader, I could see what Jade's internal conflicts were. I could relate to her struggle to be proud of who she is and not feel the need to be "fixed" by others. Jade finds her strength as she learns to speak up for herself. As an individual who is sometimes quiet, I appreciate seeing how she grows stronger and finds her voice. It is definitely a book I will put in my classroom library.
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