Synopses & Reviews
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 Patrices hair isnt the only reason she sticks out: she cares about her grades and strives for the best. Thats why Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who lives in the building, asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. Even though Montys 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. Standing Against the Wind is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2007 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award.
Review
“The gripping story of a contemporary kid who wants to make her dreams come true.”—
Booklist“Patrice is a true hero, a child who has the inner strength to overcome roadblocks to success. Moving and thought-provoking.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Stories of hope, loyalty, and success such as this one are valuable.”—School Library Journal
“Patrice and Monty emerge as likable kids; readers can plug into their story at multiple levels.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books
“This excellent first novel is quite memorable, and readers will be drawn into Patrices quiet but determined quest for a more promising future. A highly recommended purchase for libraries serving middle and high school students.”—Voice of Youth Advocates
Review
“The gripping story of a contemporary kid who wants to make her dreams come true.”—
Booklist“Patrice is a true hero, a child who has the inner strength to overcome roadblocks to success. Moving and thought-provoking.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Stories of hope, loyalty, and success such as this one are valuable.”—School Library Journal
“Patrice and Monty emerge as likable kids; readers can plug into their story at multiple levels.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books
“This excellent first novel is quite memorable, and readers will be drawn into Patrices quiet but determined quest for a more promising future. A highly recommended purchase for libraries serving middle and high school students.”—Voice of Youth Advocates
Synopsis
Patrice dreams of a first-class education, but right now shes just got to survive the walk to school.
Synopsis
Patrice Williams was happy living in Georgia with her grandmother, then her mother lured her to Chicago and ended up in jail. Living in the projects, Patrice is an easy target for everyone. Not only wont she stand up for herself, she cares about her grades—unlike her classmates. But that draws the attention of Monty Freeman, another eighth grader who asks Patrice to tutor his little brother. When Monty 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—except her mother. Standing Against the Wind is a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2007 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe New Talent Award.
About the Author
TRACI L. JONESs first novel, Standing Against the Wind, was met with critical acclaim and was named to five state reading lists. Her next book, Finding My Place, will be available from Farrar, Straus and Giroux in Summer 2010. She lives with her husband and children in Denver, Colorado.