A Good Kind of Trouble

A Good Kind of Trouble

Juvenile fiction
"I slump on my seat and start picking at a blob of ink stuck on
my desk. I hate when a teacher assumes that just because I'm Black,
I'll know all about slavery and stuff like that. I'm the only black
student in the class, so I know everyone's staring at me, trying to
see if I have bat wings or hairy armpits. Like being Black is a whole
different species."
Shay, protagonist of Lisa Moore Ramee's A Good Kind of Trouble,
is finding junior high quite challenging.
First there's the matter of Friendship. She, Julia, and
Isabella are long time best friends, sure they'll never grow apart.
But cracks have started to appear in their relationship. Julia has
started to spend time with a group she might like better. Minus
braces, Isabella has become a knockout. In Shay's mind she might be
too attractive, perhaps attracting the boy Shay has a crush on.
Then there's a volatile situation in Shay's town. The trial of
a white policewoman accused of shooting an unarmed black man is going
on. People are pretty sure that, despite video of the incident, a not
guilty verdict will ensue. Shay has always gone out of her way to
avoid getting in trouble. The prospect makes her hands itch. But
what if obedience will only lead to oppression and discrimination
continuing? What if getting fairness and justice requires having the
courage to rock the boat.
A Good Kind of Trouble is Ramee's brilliant debut novel. I'll
be expecting more greatness from this talented newcomer.
On a purrrsonal note, Joey keeps doing better. He's eating well,
putting on a little weight, and having more energy and alertness and
more interest in the world around him. He has a new favorite cuddle
spot where we can gaze out the window together. He is lavish with
muzzles and purr songs. I am treasuring our time together. Every
good day he has feels like a blessing, a miracle.
Oh, yeah, for anyone wanting to look sensational for a prom, wedding,
or other upcoming spring social event my daughter, Amber, has some
really awesome nail painting designs on her crafts blog:
Http://amberscraftaweek.blogspot.com
A great big shout out goes out to the best little cat in the world who
loves me.
jules hathaway


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