Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother, who called her “cocoa grandbaby.” Then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail. Now Patrice lives with her Auntie Mae, and her new nickname is “Puffy” – thanks to her giant poof of hair. But Patrice’s hair isn’t the only reason she sticks out: she cares about her grades and strives for the best. That’s why Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who lives in the building, asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. Even though Monty’s friends make Patrice uneasy, Monty himself is friendly, confident, and surprisingly smart. When he becomes her guardian angel, Patrice begins to think something stronger than friendship might be growing between them. Still, nothing will stop her from applying for a scholarship at prestigious Dogwood Academy – her ticket out of the project and a school populated by gangs and drug runners.

 

In her debut novel, Traci L. Jones presents a girl with grit she never knew she had, and a boy so inspired by her that he begins to take pride in his own abilities.

"Thirteen-year-old Patrice Williams isn't used to the dangers of Chicago. A year ago, she lived in Georgia with her grandmother-until her mother 'spirited her away.' But in less than three months' time, her mother is sent to jail. Now, Patrice lives with her Auntie Mae in a small apartment in the projects and is responsible for household chores, caring for her auntie's two children, while keeping up her excellent grades. When the principal at school encourages Patrice to apply for a scholarship at a prestigious African-American boarding school in Mississippi, Patrice knows this may be her only opportunity for a better life. There is one catch-Patrice needs her mother's signature. Patrice finds support in solving her problem through Monty, a one-time gang leader who, inspired by Patrice, now thinks school and learning are important. Readers will be delighted as their friendship evolves into romance, and things begin to look up for both of them. Though at times the writing can be uneven, and Patrice's living situation seems too comfortable, first-time novelist Jones gently and credibly exposes readers to the gritty side of city life-where gangs rule the streets, parents abandon their children for crime or drugs, and children find few opportunities to escape. Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

In her debut novel, Traci L. Jones presents a girl with grit she never knew she had, and a boy so inspired by her that he begins to take pride in his own abilities.

TRACI L. JONES lives with her husband and children in Denver, Colorado.