First published 2020
Genesis has counted them all. Ninety-six things she despises about herself, written down in exact detail. Her dark skin that earns her names like charcoal and eggplant from strangers and family alike. Her father's gambling addiction that puts them on the sidewalk every few months when the rent money disappears. Now she and her mother live with Grandma, who never stops arguing that Mom should leave Dad and find a lighter-skinned husband. At her new school, Genesis discovers friends and a choir teacher who believes in her voice. The teacher wants Genesis to perform in the talent show. But Genesis cannot reconcile this encouragement with her father's constant criticism. She tries lemon juice, yogurt, expensive creams, anything to lighten her skin the way they promise. Nothing works. The list grows toward one hundred items of self-hatred. Genesis must choose between adding more reasons to despise herself or finding the courage to start over.
Genres: african-american, coming-of-age, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, self-acceptance
Setting: Grandma's House
1 pages · Audio CD · Simon & Schuster Audio and Blackstone Publishing
Content warnings: racism, self-harm