The Marvelous Marvella J.Q. series
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BUY

August 1, 2022, release with West44Books
Marvella Juanita Quincy loves her life in Brooklyn. But her parents are getting a divorce and she has to move upstate with her mom. Marvella is miserable in her new school, where she has to deal with bullies like Rocco Laurie. Without any friends to talk to, she makes a wish on a shooting star. Soon, Marvella discovers a new secret power―talking to animals.
​She’s in for one wild adventure!​
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Shoot the Storm

BUY

Aaliyah saw her father Boogie-G killed on the park basketball courts. For a while, Aaliyah stopped talking, but after finding videos of her father rapping on stage, Aaliyah begins to rap. Two years later, she's at the top of her game on the basketball court and finding her rhythm with rap, until she sees her father's killer again. Aaliyah considers joining her father's old gang to avenge his death, but what will it cost her?

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Dreams on Fire

BUY

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With an incarcerated father and an estranged drug-addicted mother, Shanequa's dreams of higher education feel like a fantasy. When Shanequa gets the chance to attend a prestigious private prep school, she feels like her dreams might become reality. Shanequa finds it easier to lie to her new friends than tell them the truth about her family. When her lies are found out, and Shanequa strikes back in blind rage, her path changes forever.

Editorial Reviews Review--Booklist -- Using realistic, raw, and powerful poetry that will reach the reluctant reader, Taylor's novel tells a difficult story entirely through the poems of its young protagonist ... Effectively uses poetry to tell a story simply and with no frills, and yet ensure honesty flows through every word ... A beautiful, empowering choice for a wide spectrum of readers. --Kirkus -- America's systemic race and class problems are viscerally rendered in this evocative account ... A haunting and honest depiction of adversity and triumph that reveals America's continuing struggle to give equal opportunities to all. --School Library Journal -- Through first-person narration, Shanequa describes the daily difficulties she faces ... Rich language around dreams and responsibilities abounds, as do opportunities to discuss or ponder telltale signs of true or false friendships and the numbing effects of drugs and alcohol. VERDICT: Battling many forces themselves, young adult readers will be rooting for Shanequa to 'lift off the ground' and find her truth. Highly recommended.

click to read the Kirkus review​ www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/annette-daniels-taylor/dreams-on-fire/

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