new review

24 Oct 2009 reviews 0 Comments

I just discovered a new review—Wish is one of October’s ALAN’s Picks:

A Wish after Midnight by Zetta Elliott
CreateSpace, 2008, 230 pp., $11.99
Civil War/Relationships/Racism
ISBN: 978-1441474247

Genna is a sixteen-year-old African American girl living in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1990s. Her life is not easy. Her single mother struggles to put food on the table, while Genna struggles to find friends that accept her—even though she cares about school more than clothes. Genna struggles with maintaining friendships, even with her siblings, until she meets Judah, a Rastafarian who understands her soul. The love seems like a
fairy-tale, until Genna wakes up in Brooklyn, New York, in 1860. It’s during this trip back in time that Genna comes to learn about herself, her race, and her history.

Zetta Elliott creates a beautiful, realistic story about the trials and tribulations of one girl— Genna—whether she lives in present day America, or that of the Civil War. Elliott does not talk down to her target audience, young adults, but instead writes about things they will relate to—drugs,  sex, racism, and love. Both teens and adults will relate to the fascinating
characters that Elliott creates. Elliott isn’t timid about creating situations that might cause the reader discomfort, which should only be applauded. The subjects discussed in this novel would be perfect to further delve into in either the classroom or the living room.

Reviewed by Jaime Williams, Acworth, GA

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