2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
New Beginnings, December 13, 2007
This review is from: Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School (Paperback)
I remember high school, and though I would probably want to go back to the past and do my senior year again, I would not want to do my freshman year again. After reading Carla R. Sarratt's Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School, I may have to rethink my decision. When I was in high school, I did not give my freshman year a fair chance, but maybe that is because I was not at Carter G. Woodson High School.
When Kendra Hayes, sister to the Warrior's star athlete, Malcolm, and best friend of Lamar Adams, since birth, enters high school on the first day, she looks strikingly different from the person who graduated from middle school and was walking around Charlotte, North Carolina. Kendra decides it is time to look the part of a freshman and focus on good grades. When she is invited to be a part of a secret sorority, friendships became even clearer in her eyes.
Lamar and Kendra have been friends since birth, due to their fathers' close relationship. An assignment given in their advance English class touches on a soft spot, bringing to mind a promise that Lamar's mother made to him and his brother. He is determined to see the promise come to light.
Steven Phillips, new to Charlotte as well as to Woodson, is a football player, happy to finally be stable. He and his brothers are foster children, and he never saw a reason to lie about how they ended up that way. At the same time, Steven is so happy to see that not everyone associates him with the lifestyle his parents chose, and is glad when Lamar and Kendra befriend him and treats him as he should be treated.
Spoiled and rich, Destiny Jameson is not afraid to let you know exactly what she thinks of you. She, like Kendra was also invited to join the sorority and she believed surely they had to be mistaken, for the only thing they had in common with each other was their dislike for one another. The same assignment in their English class made Destiny realize something about herself and the reason behind her attitude.
When a new school year begins at Carter G. Woodson High School, these four along with others enter into the world where changes will begin to alter their future. Many lessons will be learned inside and outside of the classroom, helping to form new relationships. Ms. Sarratt added a bit of African American history at the beginning of each chapter. Some of these events I must say I never even knew happened, so not only did I enjoy a great bunch of characters, but I learned something as well. Although, there was a few editing problems, they did not distract from the overall enjoyment of the storyline. Adults and teenagers will enjoy Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School by Carla R. Sarratt.
Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Experience High School All Over Again!, May 15, 2007
This review is from: Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School (Paperback)
We all look forward to starting high school. However, as we grow older and become parents we tend to forget the bad times and glorify the highlights we experienced. Take time and remember your first year in high school with the students at Carter G. Woodson High School.
Kendra, Lamar, Destiny, and Steven entered the halls of Carter G. Woodson High with expectations of an exhilarating freshman year. They stressed over appearance, homework, meeting new friends and joining new organizations. But who are these students? Kendra walks the halls like a runway diva because she has the trio - gorgeous face and clothes, basketball skills and book smarts. Lamar has the support of his best friend, Kendra, and the quick wit that drives the teachers crazy. Destiny believes that her money and family status will be all she needs to be the part of the "in" crowd. Steven is proud to attend school for the first time without worrying about his safety. The progression of the storyline and intricate weaving of well-developed characters makes this an attention-grabbing read for young adults while appealing for parents. This allows you to be a silent member of the freshman class at Carter G. Woodson High.
FRESHMAN FOCUS plunges into the mind of students sharing their inner most thoughts and feelings. The infusion of important dates and facts in Black History, leadership quotes and real high school experiences make this an easy-to-relate-to narrative. The teen scene is one area lacking well-written stories but Sarratt knows how to appeal to this void in African American Literature. There are a few sub-plots not followed up perhaps they will be revealed in the upcoming second installment of this series. Buy this for all the teens in your life!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Creative and fun, April 3, 2007
This review is from: Freshman Focus: Carter G. Woodson High School (Paperback)
This was a wonderful book filled with amazing characters and creativity. What I like the most is that it's not just a book for teens, but for anyone who wants to remember the joy and fun of being in high school. I highly recommend this book, especially since it is the first of a series, and leaves you wanting to know more about the main characters. Expect to be hooked on Freshman Focus.
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