The Black Kids

The Black Kids is a powerful and timely novel about growing up as a black woman in 90s Los Angeles.

It explores racial inequalities in a way that holds a lens to our own time. Here are three reasons I would recommend it: 

1. The Black Kids is filled with complicated relationships - between both family and friends. It explores growing up and moving on, and finding people who value who you are. It also  reflects both the difficulties and importance of reconnecting with family, and understanding your family's history and where you come from.

2. Ashley undergoes a lot of character growth throughout the novel. She makes mistakes and learns to live with the consequences, as do many of the other characters in the novel. This story shows the importance of owning up to the things you have done wrong, and forgiving others for mistakes they have made.

3. The Black Kids' bittersweet ending ties up loose ends, but reminds readers that in real life, no ending is perfect (or final) and that sometimes the future can take us in unexpected directions. 

Bonus reason: 90s LA, in the midst of the Rodney King riots, made a vivid and dramatic setting that will draw you in immediately, and stay with you long after you've read the final page.

I was provided with an advanced copy of The Black Kids for review via NetGalley