Fast Forward

June 1, 2009
Gr 7 Up-Part romance, part problem novel, part cautionary tale, this book is full of drama. Kenisha Lewis's mother has just died, and the 15-year-old is having a great deal of difficulty accepting her suicide. Confused and angry, she makes choices in her troubled mental state that defy logicadult logic, that is. Kenisha gets caught up in neighborhood violence, wild parties, and deception. She has "drama" with her father and with her former boyfriend's "baby mamma," and has fights in school. She also has best girl friends who are there for her; a wise, but strict grandmother; a big sister who is a role model; and a gentle, understanding new boyfriend. Norfleet captures African-American life as it might be experienced by an upwardly mobile young black female. The story has plenty of action and rapid-fire movement, which should make it a hit with reluctant readers."Carol Jones Collins, Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ"

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