Emako Blue - Hardcover

Brenda Woods (www.brendawoods.net) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, raised in southern California, and attended California State University, Northridge. She is the award-winning author of several books for young readers: Coretta Scott King Honor winner The Red Rose Box, Saint Louis Armstrong Beach, VOYA Top Shelf Fiction selection Emako Blue, My Name is Sally Little Song, and A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her numerous awards and honors include the Judy Lopez Memorial Award, FOCAL award, Pen Center USA’s Literary Award finalist, IRA Children’s Choice Young Adult Fiction Award, and ALA Quick Pick. She lives in the Los Angeles area.

Grade 7 Up–In Los Angeles, Monterey, Jamal, Eddie, and Emako follow the rules, avoid trouble, and plan to make something of themselves, despite the odds. Eddie and Emako are keenly aware of how difficult that can be; both live in South Central L.A. and have older brothers in prison. With her confident attitude, endearing nature, incredible singing voice, and exceptional beauty both inside and out, Emako makes a lasting impression on everyone. Monterey is thrilled to have her as a best friend. Jamal is in love with her. Eddie is glad to have a confidante who understands his family troubles. Emako is even nice to wealthy but unhappy Savannah, who is jealous of her. When Emako's brother is released from jail, she becomes the victim of a drive-by shooting meant for him. The teens' world is torn apart as they mourn their senseless loss. This short, succinct, and poignant story of friendship, family, and overwhelming sadness will leave some readers in tears. Each chapter is told from the point of view of one of Emako's friends; additionally, some chapters are told from Savannah's perspective. Steered by perceptive dialogue, the story takes readers from Emako's funeral, through flashbacks, to the moment she is killed, to the shock and sorrow that follow her death, bringing it full circle. Each character is well drawn and believable, especially Emako. The strength of this book is in its simplicity, as it was in Woods's The Red Rose Box (Putnam, 2002).–Diane P. Tuccillo, City of Mesa Library, AZ
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