Hello! I'm Afoma.
  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Reading Middle Grade

Books for Kids and Grown Ups

  • Book Reviews
    • Picture book
    • Chapter Books
    • Middle-Grade
    • Graphic Novels
    • Young Adult
    • Adult Fiction
    • Adult Non-Fiction
  • Book Lists
    • Picture Book Lists
    • Middle Grade Book Lists
    • Book Lists by Theme
    • Book Lists by Grade
    • Audiobook Recommendations
  • Join My Newsletter!
  • Go to the Blog
  • Summer Reading

Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · January 11, 2019

Review | Genesis Begins Again

Genesis Begins Again - Book Review

Summary: Genesis Begins Again

In Genesis Begins Again, thirteen-year-old Genesis grapples with intense self-hate worsened by her father’s verbal abuse and her grandmother’s backward ideologies about skin color. Readers first meet Genesis when she brings her “friends” home for the first time. In an embarrassing turn of events, they arrive to meet all her belongings in the street. The landlord has put Genesis’s family out because her gambling, alcoholic father defaulted on the rent, again.

Things seem to look up for their family when they move into a posh neighborhood. Genesis makes new friends, joins the school choir, and even gets a helpful math tutor. Yet, her self-hate follows her.

In Genesis Begins Again, thirteen-year-old Genesis grapples with intense self-hate worsened by her father's verbal abuse and her grandmother's backward ideologies about skin color. Click To Tweet

The Good

Told in Genesis’s slangy voice, the novel flows naturally. She goes to shocking, unthinkable lengths to change her skin color. My heart ached for Genesis as she did everything from bathing in milk to scrubbing with a scouring pad to rid herself of her black skin. I caught myself doubting a couple of times, but the rise of bleaching creams shows me how far people are willing to go.

Williams addresses the roots of Genesis’s self-hate and shows in Troy –Genesis’s dark-skinned friend and math tutor — that young people can overcome self-hate. It is also clear that when a person dislikes themselves, their desire for acceptance intensifies. This is true in Genesis’s case. She constantly desires friendships from people who could care less and ignores those who genuinely love her.

This book also includes an underlying message of accepting people and loving people despite their differences. In her portrayal of Genesis’s parents and grandmother, the author shows that parents can harm their children with their words. They also hurt their kids when they fail to pay close enough attention.

Music fans will enjoy the references to Beyonce, Ella Fitzerald, and other icons. I liked watching Genesis find and embrace the power of her voice.

Genesis Begins Again is a phenomenal middle-grade debut with a strong message about colorism, self-love, and the power of music. Click To Tweet

Overall: Genesis Begins Again

Genesis Begins Again is a remarkable middle-grade debut with a strong message about colorism, self-love, and the power of music. There are, however, scenes of verbal abuse and self-hurt that highly-sensitive readers may find disturbing. Breathe deep and go slow. These issues must be seen and discussed. I would 100 percent recommend this novel.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Buy This Book

Genesis Begins Again book cover

More Book Reviews

  • From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks
  • Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing
  • Simon B Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed

Have you read any books with a focus on colorism? Please leave me your recommendations!

Don't Forget to Share!

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pocket
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
  • LinkedIn

Related

Posted In: Book Reviews, Middle-Grade · Tagged: black authors, black middle-grade, colorism, multicultural

Join My Newsletter

Like what you just read? Sign up for my Friday kidlit newsletter!

Privacy Policy

You’ll Also Love

Lakita Wilson on Be Real, Macy Weaver!
black ya books83 Black Young Adult Novels to Add to Your TBR
Review | Just Right Jillian

What do you think? Leave a comment Cancel reply

Next Post >

Review | When the Truth Unravels

About Me
Hi, I'm Afoma! Thank you for stopping by. Learn more about me here.

Get 2 Months Free on Scribd


Follow on Bloglovin’

Follow

We’re Social Too!

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Stock photos courtesy of our partners at DepositPhotos 📸
Books mentioned: I LOVE pairing middle grade fiction with non-fiction recommendations. It’s a brilliant way to get kids more interested in non-fiction and find similar threads between fiction and real life. 🏀 girls can play ball too 🏀 Previously, currently, and next in line: adult fiction edition. This doesn’t even include my audiobook lineup and my middle grade + YA stuff! 😥 living a lie is hard work 😬 🥠 Meet Maya 🥠
  • Blog
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Reading Middle Grade · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...