 When you hear the word Paris, does the word ghetto come to mind? I didn't think so. Just like Hartford, New York or Chicago, people live in the projects in Paris too. This is the story of a young Algerian immigrant and her experience of living in poverty with her illiterate mother in a culture foreign to her own. When Doria's father deserts her and her mother to marry another woman in their home country, she experiences abandonment and alienation from others. Doria uses humor to deal with her daily struggles and her language is raw and real. If you have ever felt caught between two different worlds or that you're only feeling the blows in life, you will appreciate this book. You will also learn a little Arabic; part of the title kiffe kiffe is Arabic for same old thing. This book was originally written in French and translated into English and it is written by a teen author. Here's proof that a teen can write an international bestseller. Check this book out at your local library, again recommend that they purchase it if it's not already part of the collection.
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Marcus and Eddie are a duo on and off the basketball court. As seniors in high school, the boys are top picks for basketball scholarships to the school of their choice. The future seems bright until the boys start holding up people to score money to participate in Senior Class activities. During one hold up, a man gets shot and then identifies Marcus as his attacker even though Eddie is the one who fires the shot. The story is told in the alternate voice of Marcus(Black) and Eddie(White). The story takes a hard look at friendship under extreme pressure. How would you feel if your best friend committed a crime and you took the rap for it? Do you think Eddie will admit his role in the crime while he sees his best friend's hopes and dreams be ripped out of his hands? Check this book out at your local library and if they don't have it, ask that it be purchased.
