School Library Journal

Gr 5 Up-Soon-to-be eighth grader Caprice has just finished up a summer leadership program at a boarding school and is faced with a choice: take a spot in the yearlong program at that school, or spend her eighth grade year in Newark with her best friend Nicole. However, when her grandmother falls ill, Caprice, who is Black, must go back to Baltimore and face a deep secret she's suppressed. When she was young, Caprice's uncle abused her in her grandmother's home. In this tale of pain and reclaiming the power of one's story, Caprice has to find her voice to face not only her past, but her future as well. Booth's novel uses a mix of verse poetry, flashbacks, and time-stamped present-day narrative. The chapters are short and maintain the book's quick pace. Told with unflinching honesty and an accessible way for the intended audience, Caprice's story can be hard to read at times but offers hope to survivors of abuse while educating readers about what survivors experience. Also included are resources for national organizations dedicated to supporting children like Caprice. VERDICT A worthy purchase for collections with a need for survivor stories for middle graders.-Molly Dettmann