YA Review: Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams

Title: Genesis Begins Again
Author: Alicia D. Williams
Year Published: 2019

Genre: YA fiction

Pages: 364

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Location (my 2019 Google Reading map): USA (MI)

FTC Disclosure: I bought this with my own money

Summary (from the inside flap of the book): There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list: 

• Because her family is always being put out of their house.
• Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem.
• Because Genesis knows this is all her fault.
• Because she wasn't born looking like Mama
• Because she is too black.

Genesis is determined to fix her family, and she's willing to try anything to do so...even if it means harming herself in the process. But when she starts tofind a thing or two she actually likes about herself, she discovers that changing her own attitude is the first step in helping others.

Review: Let's talk first about this cover. I love it; it does a great job of capturing Genesis and the beauty of her skin color (which is very relevant to her story). And the dedication of the book: "For every person who felt as if they weren't good enough. You were. And will be always." This sets the tone and goal for the book and it is so good.

Genesis is so real. She's a middle school student who just wants to have friends and she thinks that means lighter skin, straighter hair, and coolness. All of which she doesn't have. Instead she is poor, has course hair, really dark skin, a dad who drinks, and a mom who seems unaware. 

But what's great about this story is that Genesis figures things out, but that doesn't mean everything ends perfectly. She has a gift. You'll have to read the book to find out what it is, but it's worth it. I love Genesis and think you will, too.

Challenges for which this counts: