![]() ![]() 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. Most young people will relate to Jade’s search to find her voice and learn to advocate for herself in appropriate ways. ![]() The two strong female characters and the ways in which they struggle with and support each other form the center of this tale. 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. Her mentor, Maxine, is from a more privileged background, and Jade doesn’t see what she can learn from her. Instead, she is given an invitation to join Woman to Woman, a mentorship program for young women like her: poor and black. ![]() More than anything, she wants to go on a study abroad week offered at her school to use her Spanish skills. ![]() She is also a talented collage artist, and she attends an elite private school on scholarship. Gr 7 Up –High school junior Jade is an “at-risk” student from a rough neighborhood in Portland, OR. ![]()
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