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200 pp.
| Farrar
| July, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-36914-9$16.99
(2)
4-6
Since her mother's death, seventh-grader Serena's depressed father won't leave his bed. Serena is chosen for the school play, but life becomes increasingly stressful as she tries to keep up her grades and care for the family. Jones vividly depicts the strains many students feel under the pressures of school and demands of home. Serena's courage and perseverance make her a compelling character.
181 pp.
| Farrar
| May, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-33573-1$16.99
(3)
YA
In 1975, Tiphanie must adjust to her suburban Colorado high school as one of two African American students. She tries to live up to her parents' expectations to represent her race through a positive work ethic and decorum. Tiphanie's witty, sometimes sardonic narration elucidates this story of teen life affected by the realities of subtle racism.
184 pp.
| Farrar
| September, 2006
|
TradeISBN 0-374-37174-1$16.00
(3)
YA
Smart, quiet eighth-grader Patrice, whose mother is in jail, comes to live with her aunt in Chicago. Patrice is harassed at school until handsome Monty befriends her. With Monty's help, Patrice successfully applies for a scholarship at a prestigious historically black boarding school. Jones's dialogue is unforced and authentic, and her characters (especially flawed secondary players) are vividly portrayed.