For the child grappling with feelings of shame or worthiness, this book explores finding self-acceptance and belonging amidst challenging family circumstances.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is expressing intense self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy, particularly related to their physical appearance or cultural identity. Thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson keeps a list of 96 things she hates about herself, starting with her dark skin, which she believes is the source of all her family's problems. After yet another eviction due to her father's gambling addiction, Genesis and her family move into her grandmother's home in a wealthy suburb. At her new school, with the help of a compassionate music teacher and new friends, Genesis begins to find her voice and challenge the self-hatred she's carried for so long. This powerful and honest novel for readers 9-13 tackles colorism, family dysfunction, and the difficult journey toward self-love, providing a mirror for kids who feel different and a window for those who don't.
Deals with intense self-hatred, family dysfunction, emotional distress, and bullying.
Substance ReferencesModerate
A main character's father struggles with alcoholism, which is a central plot point and causes family turmoil.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and frankly with colorism (prejudice against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group), internalized racism, a parent's active alcoholism, gambling addiction, and the resulting financial insecurity. The approach is realistic and emotionally resonant. The resolution is hopeful but grounded: Genesis begins her journey to self-love, but the underlying family issues are not magically solved. The context is secular.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful middle-grade reader, age 10-13, who is grappling with intense feelings of self-doubt, body image issues, or not fitting in. It is particularly resonant for a Black child navigating the complexities of colorism, but its themes of self-worth are universal. It's also for a child trying to make sense of a parent's addiction or family instability.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for conversations about colorism and alcoholism. The father's drinking and its consequences are portrayed realistically and may be upsetting. Genesis's attempts to lighten her skin could also be a point of discussion. The book doesn't need to be pre-read, but it is best discussed afterward to help a child process the complex themes. A parent hears their child say, "I hate my skin," "I wish I had straight hair," or "I'm ugly." The parent might observe their child becoming socially withdrawn, constantly comparing themselves to others, or engaging in obsessive self-criticism.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will connect deeply with Genesis's school and friendship struggles and her journey to finding her singing talent. An older reader (11-13) will more fully appreciate the nuanced exploration of intergenerational trauma, internalized racism, and the cycle of addiction, recognizing the complex motivations of Genesis's father and grandmother.
What Makes It Special
This book's direct and honest exploration of colorism within the Black community sets it apart in the middle-grade landscape. The tangible device of Genesis's "list" of hates makes the abstract concept of self-loathing painfully concrete and relatable for young readers, offering a powerful narrative of confronting and rewriting one's own story.
Read plot summary
Thirteen-year-old Genesis Anderson is consumed by self-hatred, which she meticulously documents in a list of things she dislikes about herself, primarily her dark skin. Her family life is unstable due to her father's alcoholism and gambling addiction, leading to frequent evictions. When they move in with her stern, light-skinned grandmother in a predominantly white suburb, Genesis must navigate a new school. There, a supportive chorus teacher and new friends begin to challenge her negative self-perception. The story follows Genesis as she uncovers painful family history related to colorism and ultimately finds the courage to perform in a talent show, taking a major step toward self-acceptance.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Genesis keeps a list of 100 things she hates about herself. Why do you think she started this list? If you were her friend, what would you say to her about it?
2
Genesis’s dad and grandma both have strong, and often hurtful, opinions about skin color. How did their own life experiences lead them to feel this way?
3
Mrs. Hill tells Genesis, 'Your song is your story.' What did she mean by that? What do you think Genesis's 'song' was by the end of the book?
4
When Genesis finally performs, she sings a song by Etta James. Why was this choice of song and singer so important for her journey?
5
Think about Genesis's new friends, Troy and Sophia. How did their friendship help Genesis start to see herself differently?
