Jessie soon discovers the difficulties of studying acting at Oakland Performing Arts Middle School, as she copes with a full schedule, the need to keep up her grades, a prejudiced teacher, and an eloquent rival. By the author of Chevrolet Saturdays.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. On the cover two African American girls scowl at each other. One is dark skinned, the other lighter; and issues of ethnic identity and self-esteem, competition, and friendship are at the heart of this candid contemporary story, a sequel to Fall Secrets (1994). Hurt by a teacher's racism, sixth-grader Jessie worries that some people don't like her dark skin. She knows that a lot of whites reject her, and some black people, too--does her own father? Her rivalry with a classmate at her performing arts middle school focuses on the girls' view of their blackness as well as on their artistic gifts. The story is too didactic, and some characters function too much as therapists. But Jessie's home and school are drawn with warmth and wit. Through individual people Boyd dramatizes the rich diversity within the African American community. She confronts issues long ignored in middle-grade fiction. Young girls will recognize Jessie's hurt and anger and her struggle to accept who she is. Hazel Rochman
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Never Judge A Book By It's Title!!!,
By Nikila Robinson - Scott (Xenia, Ohio) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Different Beat (Turtleback)
This book is about a young dark - skinned girl, named Jessie, who was having a lot of problems everywhere she went and she was withholding her anger. At school, she has had her feelings two years ago by a light skinned teacher, Mrs. Grant, who misjudge Jessie. Jessie had overheard Mrs. Grant say something to another teacher along the lines of... "I can't believe the William's girls are sisters. Cassandra was one of the prettiest black girls I have ever taught, and one of the smartest. That beautiful long, glossy hair, and white skin. It's hard to believe that Jessie is her sister. She's so dark and plain. Not even that smart- such a disappointment after Cassandra." ... That really hurt Jessie's feeling especially since she admired Mrs. Grant. I think everyone did up until Jessie recently let the secret out to her family. which was a big relief to Jessie because Jessie has been wating to confront Mrs. Grant, not only will Jessie be able to confront Mrs. Grant but also she has her family there for her. Jessie's next problem is her group at school, a group of four who has to work on a major project and their is this one girl who an attitude, Addie Mae Collins and everytime the girl gets mad she changes her name, as of now her name is Addie Mae Copper. Copper is snotty and she thinks she knows everything. At home there is nothing much to discuss outside of Mamatoo, Jessie's maternal grandmother, has always had open arms to cuddle Jessie and map of wisdom to lead Jessie. Cass {short for Cassandra} is always telling her boyfriend, Joe what to do. Well he wanted her now he has her. Jessie's father, Mr. Williams, a light-shinned man, who worked at the bookstore. He was hard on Jessie and he would not let her work in the bookstore, nor do any extra curricular activty. She is lucky to be going to OPA {Oakland Performing Arts} Middle School. That is all extra-curricular activity that she is going to get. Later Mrs. Grant still didn't apologize, sha played hard to get.... ....Addie Mae Collins acted the way she did because she no one at home to pay her any attention, but she had a lot of talent. Addie was just reaching out for help and got it. ....Joe is still being bossed around by his girlfriend, Cassandra. ....Mamatoo still gives out good advise. ....The fours major project went very well, Corrine James. a famous person who was tired of being famous had let Jessie do part of her project on her and presnet her. Then Jessie present Addie Mae Copper and the story behind her name and how she was named after her cousin who died in Mississippi in a church that was caught on fire. ....Jessie's light - skinned father, who let her light -skinned sister and light - skinned Addie Mae work in the store just didn't want dark - skinned Jessie's grade to fall behind for the simple fact that dark children are labeled dumb and none of his daughter will ever be labeled dumb. ....Jessie is relieved, she has got all of that off her chest and an A with the Fours project and two new friend who have revealed their past history to sociey. ....
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A TOUCHING BUT HIP, SAD BUT gREAT I lOVED iT dA' bOMB,
By A Customer
This review is from: A Different Beat (Paperback)
tHE BOMB!!! i lUVED THIS BOOK 'CUZ iT DEALT WITH REAL LIFE SITUATIONS(SWEET), PROBLEMS AND TRIUMPH!!! i CAN RELATE THIS BOOK TO KIDS AT MY SCHOOL AND i ALSO KNOW HOW IT FEELS.i LOVED THE WAY jESSI WILLIAMS DEALT WITH EVERYTHING. sHE EVEN GOT A BOYFRIEND!!! sWEET!!! YOU GO gIRL.!!! yA NEED TO READ THIS BOOK! i'TS tIZIGHT!!!!! tHE ENDIN' WILL MOVE YA! iT IS 2TIGHT + 2BE = $GOTTEN rEAD it
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I highly reccomend this book.,
By A Customer
This review is from: A Different Beat (Paperback)
I would highly reccomend this book for young adults.
It is exciting and very realistic. The author has a
remarkable way of giving the perspective of the 6th grader
Jessica Williams. It's very easy to understand the pressures
of keeping your grades up and doing extracurricular
activities. She also deals with being at Oakland Performing
Arts where Jessie has to struggle. The work is hard and the
expectations are high. But Jessie really has to struggle
because she has been given a special assignment in Mr.
Reynolds class. Worst of all, her partner is her biggest
enemy, Addie Mae Cooper!
by Karissa Curry, 8th Grade Language Arts, Arcata, California
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