Pride

Ibi Zoboi's "Pride" is a compelling young adult novel that reimagines Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in contemporary Bushwick, Brooklyn. It centers on Zuri Benitez, a proud Afro-Latina teenager fiercely devoted to her family and community. The story explores themes of gentrification, cultural identity, and class differences as Zuri navigates the arrival of the wealthy Darcy family next door. While her older sister is drawn to one of the Darcy sons, Zuri finds herself at odds with the seemingly arrogant Darius, leading to a nuanced exploration of prejudice and understanding. This book is ideal for ages 12-18, offering a rich narrative about finding one's voice, protecting one's roots, and the complexities of first love amidst societal change.

"Zuri Benitez has pride. Brooklyn pride, family pride, and pride in her Afro-Latino roots. But pride might not be enough to save her rapidly gentrifying neighborhood from becoming unrecognizable. When the wealthy Darcy family moves in across the street, Zuri wants nothing to do with their two teenage sons, even as her older sister, Janae, starts to fall for the charming Ainsley. She especially can't stand the judgmental and arrogant Darius. Yet as Zuri and Darius are forced to find common ground, their initial dislike shifts into an unexpected understanding. But with four wild sisters pulling her in different directions, cute boy Warren vying for her attention, and college applications hovering on the horizon, Zuri fights to find her place in Bushwick's changing landscape, or lose it all." --