Touching Snow

"'Beginning with the chilling statement, 'The best way to avoid being picked on by high school bullies is to kill someone,' first-time author Felin draws readers into the chaotic, often violent world of a Haitian-American girl's coming-of-age in upstate New York during the 1980s. Karina, the 14-year-old narrator, expresses her feelings of isolation at school, where she is often taunted, and explains why her situation is even less bearable at home. There, she and her seven siblings and cousins live in constant fear of being beaten by 'the Daddy,' her 'too-fat-for-his-pants' stepfather. After one of his 'beat-ups' nearly takes the life of Karina's older sister, Karina knows that someone should contact the authorities. But getting the police involved could do as much harm as good: Karina's cousins — illegal aliens — might get sent back to Haiti and her mother might have to go on welfare. Not only does Karina keep silent about her stepfather's actions but she even takes the blame for her sister's injuries. Candid first-person narrative brings to life the terror, anxiety and pain Karina is forced to endure throughout her family's ordeal, as well as the joy she experiences when she eventually finds a confidante with whom she can share her secret. Despite its disturbing imagery, the book carries a strong message about the complexities of abuse and why victims are not always willing to take a stand. Teens will keep pages turning to learn how and under what circumstances Karina takes her revenge. Ages 12-up.' Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Although the resolution is brutal, this story is a compelling read from an important and much-needed new voice. Readers will cheer for the young narrator who is determined to step out of the role of victim and build a safe and meaningful life for herself and her family." School Library Journal

"Remarkably nuanced characters give this emotionally challenging read just enough humanity to make it bearable." Horn Book Magazine

"Karina is a funny, whip-smart girl caught in the middle of a nightmare. Only when I laughed out loud did I remember to breathe." Valerie Hobbs, author of Defiance

"M. Sindy Felin is a writer whose words flow like mercury — volatile and dangerous. She is a wonderful, mesmerizing new talent." Sharon M. Draper, Coretta Scott King Award-winning author of The Battle of Jericho

"Felin touches those who have kept a family secret when it should have been exposed, and that is far too many readers." VOYA

"This is as good as The Color Purple in its own way and contains some of the same elements that make that novel problematic for YA libraries: terrible, dysfunctional family relationships, brutality, lesbian experiences. And like The Color Purple, Touching Snow gives us amazingly resilient heroines, with an original, authentic voice telling the story of survival." KLIATT

"At times, the first-person narration grates, but the tale never loses momentum." Kirkus Reviews

M. Sindy Felin was born in Brooklyn, New York to Hatian immigrants and grew up in suburban Rockland County. She was the first person in her extended family to have been born in the United States, and the first girl to attend college--she graduated from Wesleyan University in 1994. Touching Snow is her first novel. Sindy lives just outside Washington, D.C