Publishers Weekly Review
Through 30 candid essays, Hughes, a comedian, writer, and social media influencer, spotlights the tumultuous experience of growing up black, female, and gifted. In "The Little Cheerleader That Couldn't," Hughes recounts a wrenching failure to become a cheerleader in grade school, despite encouragement and some natural ability, concluding, "It turns out you can be excellent, objectively, at any number of things, and life will come in hot with the unfairness." Detailing a mutual vendetta between herself and her fifth-grade teacher, Hughes confronts the question asked by many kids growing up black in a frequently hostile world: Is it because I'm black? Funny, bittersweet, thought-provoking, and deeply sobering, Hughes's narrative reconstructs countless memories of a childhood spent exploring "band, speech, and drama," sports, and more to become as "well-rounded" as her mother wanted her and her siblings to be. She also includes sparse recollections of an unsympathetic, unlamented father; a young adulthood spent overcoming setbacks to realize her rapidly coalescing dreams; and the illness that almost stopped those dreams cold. Though primarily aimed at established Hughes fans, anyone facing difficult odds, or those seeking a career in entertainment, will glean much from this collection. Ages 14--up. (Sept.) |
School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Hughes's take on life is practical and ambitious, frequently vulnerable yet simultaneously assertive. It's not simple to get an easy read on the author, which makes these essays refreshing and engaging, much like Hughes herself. From descriptions of designing a tutorial for black guys dating white girls, to directions on how to get to New York on a budget, to an explanation of how to make a YouTube video, Hughes's tone is confessional, often conspiratorial, and she holds little back. Young adults will relate to her realness, with descriptions of pimple popping, issues with food, and the lists of scenarios that make her anxious. She is a keen detector of irony and her humor never feels formulaic, qualities which adolescent readers will appreciate. Teen readers are bound to respect Hughes's impressive social media prowess and pop culture credibility. While the language is strong in many places, and there is an (perhaps tongue-in-cheek) encouragement to drink excessively at karaoke, for a solid role model in terms of drive, wit, and confidence, look no further. VERDICT Hughes presents a charming and surprising essay collection. Give to avid YouTube fans or to any young person who could glean inspiration from her gumption, humor, and self-assurance.--Melissa Williams, Berwick Academy, ME |