Standing against the Wind

Standing against the Wind
By Traci L. Jones
Farrar Straus and Giroux, 2006. 184 pgs. Young Adult

Patrice Williams is smart, shy, and prone to tears. Having recently moved to Chicago, she lives with an aunt and two cousins, and while she does her best to help around the apartment and get good grades, she doesn't fit in at school and wishes she could get out of Chicago. So when she hears about a scholarship to a prestigious African American boarding school, Patrice is determined to apply. In the meantime, though, she finds herself forming a friendship with Monty Freeman, who despite his status as one of the popular kids, actually seems to like Patrice.

This is a sweet story of friendship and growth, but I felt like the writing style was somewhat stilted and awkward in places--the author tends to tell more than show. Still, I enjoyed the message of the book and would be interested in reading the author's second novel.

AE